Fredericksburg Regional Business Magazine

FREDERICKSBURGREGIONAL BUSINESSTHE REGION’S PREMIER BUSINESS PUBLICATION Volume 2 Issue 4

JULY/AUGUST 2016

Fredericksburg AreaWomen in BUSINESS

MEET 4 WOMEN BUSINESS LEADERS: Linda Rivera, Rebecca Rubin, Kris Sieber, and Roberta Tinch

CHAMBER LEGENDS:Legacy of past presidents;Longevity of members

BIDDING FAREWELL:Karen Hedelt and Joan McLaughlin

Roberta TinchCOO and ECO for Spotsylvania

Regional Medical Center

Kris SieberDirector of Membership Services for Rappahannock Electric Cooperative

Linda RiveraVP of Quality & Customer Relations

for Hilldrup Moving & Storage

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.

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.

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JULY/AUGUST 2016 Fredericksburg Regional Business 3

inside 540-373-9400 • www.fredericksburgchamber.org • Fax: 540-373-9570 • Located: 2300 Fall Hill Ave., Suite 240, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

From the President

WELCOME3 President’s Message4 Chairman Update

FEATURES5 100 years of leaders 9 Karen Hedelt

FEATURES 11 Joan McLaughlin16 Women in Business

COLUMNS18 Tech Solutions 23 Green Challenge

NEWS26 Member News31 Calendars

NEWS14 SimVentions24 New Members

1916-2016The mission of the Fredericksburg Regional

Chamber of Commerce is to build relationships and create competitive

advantages for a healthy business environment.

2016 Board of Directors:Officers:ChairmanBill Hession

Lockheed Martin

Vice Chairman:J.R. Flatter

Flatter & Associates

Immediate Past Chair:Greg Calvert

The Kloke Group

Treasurer:Shawn Sloan

The Media Partners, LLC

President & CEO:Susan Spears

Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce

Directors:Brian Baker, UMW Center for Economic Development

Michelle Caldwell-Thompson, CTI Real EstateRob Dodd Jr., DLR Contracting Inc.

Janel Donohue, Rappahannock United WayKevin Fastabend, Virginia Partners Bank

Mike Fidgeon, Pathways Eric Fletcher, Mary Washington Healthcare

Adam Fried, Atlantic Builders, Ltd.Paul Giambra, Quarles Petroleum, Inc.

Jeremy McCommons, Foundation CompaniesRon Holmes, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Stacy Horne, AllstateDeirdre Powell White, DPW Training & Associates

David Sam, Germanna Community College

Legal Counsel:Margaret Hardy, Sands Anderson PC

Chamber Staff:Susan Spears, President & CEO

Whitney Watts, VP of Member ServicesMichele Dooling, Dir. of Finance & Human Resource

Dawn Haun, Communications ManagerKasey Nabal, Military & Government Affairs Manager

Sheri Wikert, Member Services Manager Stacey Madigan, Executive Assistant

Stacey Hicks, Office Manager Desiree Suggs, Membership Account Executive

Sara Branner, Member Services Coordinator

A publication of Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of CommerceEditorial: Dawn Haun

Printing & Mailing: Stafford Printing www.staffordprinting.com

FREDERICKSBURG REGIONALCHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ESTABLISHED 1916.

President’s Message

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

By Susan Spears

Our Chamber reached a milestone this year: 100 years of leadership and advocating for businesses. This notable accomplishment tells the story of our past Chamber leaders and volunteers who struggled with business conflicts, legislative priorities, and economic turmoil. Today, our Chamber is among the largest and strongest in the Commonwealth – something we should all be very proud of.

In this edition, we pause to reflect on several of our past chamber presidents, founders, and directors whose service impacted our business community. Industry trends have changed over time, such as the rise of women executives and women-owned businesses. Our region is home to many influential women leaders who have made outstanding contributions to our business community. This issue highlights four diverse leaders in the prime of their careers – Linda Rivera, Rebecca Rubin, Roberta Tinch, and Kris Sieber. We also spotlight two retiring leaders, Karen Hedelt and Joan McLaughlin.

We celebrate these talented women during a tumultuous time in our nation. Our national political system is mired in controversy, the number of people out of work continues to grow, and our infrastructure is crumbling. Horrifying violent acts have become so common in our news that we are almost numb from the constant terror. Like you, we are concerned about our ability to react should a crisis occur in our area. It is for this reason that we are hosting a seminar in late July about how to respond if your workplace comes in contact with an active shooter. This is part of a new business series that will address traditional and nontraditional workplace issues. If there’s an issue you’d like us to address, or to learn more about the series, please contact Sara Branner at [email protected].

I hope to see you this summer, and I look forward to shaping our next 100 years – together!

On the cover…The Chamber has chosen four Fredericksburg area women business leaders who represent leadership, compassion, and commitment. Pictured left to right: Linda Rivera, VP of Quality & Customer Relations for Hilldrup Moving & Storage; Roberta Tinch, COO and ECO for Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center; and Kris Sieber, Director of membership Services for Rappahannock Electric Cooperative. Not pictured, Rebecca Rubin, Founder, President & CEO of Marstel Day, LLC. Photo by Dawn Haun / Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.

JULY/AUGUST 2016Fredericksburg Regional Business4

Chairman’s Column

Bill Hession is Chairman of the Board of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Chairman’s Update

By Bill Hession

One of the duties of the Chamber’s board of directors is to call our members and ask how things are going with your membership. I always enjoy talking directly with folks I would likely not encounter in my daily routine as a program manager for a defense contracting company. It’s fulfilling to hear how useful an educational seminar was to your business or how much you enjoyed a recent tour of one of our military installations. Occasionally I get asked about the Chamber’s relevance and why someone should remain a member.

When considering visiting or relocating to any community or region, the cold and distant internet may provide quick information, but it cannot serve as the “front door to a community” the way your Chamber does. Our office manager, Stacey Hicks, ahas one of the most important roles on our professional staff as she regularly responds to inquiries about restaurants, realtors, professional services, local governments, etc. Stacey always maintains a smile and a pleasant disposition when explaining that we are located in Virginia – not Texas (sometimes, six times a day!). Stacey refers people to countless businesses every day– and she only refers people to members of the Chamber of Commerce. This personal point of contact is invaluable.

For those that make the wise decision to join our Chamber, I want you to know that your membership is much more than that – it is an investment in your business, and in your community. Even if you are disinterested in attending our many events, committee meetings, and educational opportunities, you’ve still made a great investment. The Chamber works tirelessly to improve our business

climate by advocating for sensible business laws and obvious needs, like transportation infrastructure improvements.

I encourage you to make an effort to find your Chamber niche and cultivate relationships over time. While your business may be aggressive in your advertising and/or social media marketing, nothing replaces the personal touch of meeting potential new customers and clients face-to-face and one-on-one, in an established, credible business setting. Our Chamber offers plenty of those types of opportunities. We also offer increased exposure for your business through our online membership directory, online and email advertising, event sponsorships, publications and our responsive social media and website.

Being a member of the Chamber by itself is not going to make or break your business. But it can be an important part of any business’s marketing plan and development strategies. Even if you’ve been a member for many years, consider refreshing your Chamber experience and come out to something new. If you’d like to learn more about us, give Desiree Suggs a call at 540-373-9400 or email her at [email protected]. When I make my next round of calls, I look forward to talking to you!

Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce receives award for 100th year

Susan Spears, Chamber President & CEO is lauded at the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives meeting for the Chamber’s 100 years of leadership and advocacy for the region. Barry DuVal, Virginia Chamber President & CEO presented the award at the annual meeting in Smithfield on June 24.

Local unemployment rate below 4 percent for first time since recession

For the first time since The Great Recession, the Fredericksburg region’s unemployment rate has dipped below 4 percent, according to data released by the Virginia Employment Commission Wednesday.

Regional unemployment was reported at 3.5 percent in April, down from 4.3 percent in March and 4.5 percent in April 2015.

In Caroline County, the jobless rate fell to 3.8 percent from 4.9 percent in April 2015 and 4.6 percent the previous month.

The city of Fredericksburg also saw a dramatic decrease, dropping to 4 percent from 5.2 percent compared to the same month last year and 4.8 percent in March.

King George County reported 3.6 percent of its workforce is without jobs, compared to 4.5 percent in April 2015 and 4.6 percent in March.

In Spotsylvania County, April’s 3.5 percent unemployment fell from 4.5 percent a year ago and 4.2 percent the month before.

And in Stafford County, the 3.4 percent unemployment rate last month decreased from April 2015’s 4.4 percent and the 4 percent rate posted in March.

The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has been trending downward since September 2011 and is at its lowest level since June 2008, according to the VEC.


Feature

THE EARLY YEARSDr. J. Garnett King First Fredericksburg Chamber President-1916

The Fredericksburg Chamber of Com-merce was originally chartered in 1916, Dr. J. Garnett King served as the first president.

He, along with other notable business lead-ers in Fredericksburg: H.F. Crismond, Ed-gar Young, J.P. Rowe, S.M. Janney, and R. Stuart Royer were the spearheads of the business organization.

Ten years earlier, the businessmen had first come together in

1906 and formed “The Fredericksburg Busi-nessmen’s Association.

Dr. King was energized. He said the Cham-ber would make Fredericksburg a “bigger and better” city, so he set in motion a challenge for Fredericksburg to win the world’s record for most members for cities under 10,000 resi-dents. The record to beat was 292. They had seven recruitment teams, who together beat the record by nine members, and enrolled 301 members at the start. The occasion turned into a celebration, complete with a parade, headed by bands, marching boy scouts and noisemakers.

Dr. King was a dentist. His dental office was located at 906 Main (now Caroline Street).

He and his wife Nannie lived on 1011 Prince Edward Street in Fredericksburg.

Morgan Lafayette Combs Chamber Director 1924-1941

Dr. Morgan L. Combs’ 17 years of lead-ership for the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce was during unstable economic times: The stock Market Crash of 1929, War

in Europe, World War II, and the Great De-pression.

Combs had connec-tions politically and held impressive creden-tials. So much in fact, he was appointed college president of the Mary Washington College (MWC) at the age of thirty-five.

During Combs’ pres-idency at MWC he created dramatic growth in the institution. It grew from three buildings to 36, from 60 acres worth $500,000 to 381 acres worth $25 million and changed its mis-sion from being a teachers’ college to a liberal arts college in 1935 and changed its name to “Mary Washington College” in 1938. In 1944, it was designated the Woman’s College of the University of Virginia.

In addition to the directorship of the Fred-ericksburg Chamber of Commerce from 1924 to 1941, he was also involved in the Kiwan-is club from 1930-1933, and the Inter-Ra-cial Commission. Combs received the B’nai B’rith Valuable Citizen award in 1953 and was

named “Fredericksburg Citizen of the Year” in 1952. Combs Science Hall at Mary Washing-ton University is named in his memory.

He died in October 1955, at age 64, after a long illness and is buried in Oak Hill Ceme-tery in Fredericksburg.Benjamin “Bennie” T. Pitts President 1934-1938

Bennie Pitts was five-time president of the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce and served a two-year term as direc-tor of Virginia Chamber of Commerce. He was also director of Farmers & Merchants State Bank.

Pitts was a state senator representing Fredericks-

burg, Spotsylvania, Orange, Goochland, and Louisa

counties from 1944 until poor health forced him to resign in 1958. He was a member of the Board of Visitors of the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind in Staunton and was described in his obituary as being “a staunch Democrat.”

Earlier in his career, he was appointed to Fredericksburg’s City Council in 1933, filling the unexpired term of Dr. J. Garnett King Jr. His appointment to Council was followed by his election in 1936 and his reelection in 1940.

He started his career in 1909 with a small local movie house, which culminated to a chain of movie theaters across the state. He owned 37 successful movie theaters, including

Feature

FOOTPRINTSof our past

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce is rich with the influence of our past leaders: notable business owners, college presi-

dents, and high-ranking politicians just to name a few.Our chamber reflects on the thousands of man hours

contributed to our success, guided through economic

hard times so that our quality of life would be enhanced and hopes the future generations would feel a sense of pride for past accomplishments and decisions.The following biographies were chosen based on the

available archives. Also documented is the first female chamber member and president.

J. Garnett King Morgan Lafayette Combs

Bennie T. Pitts

100 YEARS OF OUR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSBy Dawn Haun & Elizabeth Bruhl


Featuredowntown Fredericksburg’s Colonial Theater. People would mention him as BPOE (Bennie Pitts Owns Everything).

Pitts was known for his generosity. He loaned money to people that asked. Each year he gave out silver dollars to Senate page boys and other deserving youngsters on George Washington’s birthday if they answered a question about the nation’s first president.

He incorporated The Benjamin T. Pitts Foundation which annually distributed college scholarships to deserving local high school se-niors. During World War II, he headed war bond drives in the area. He also served as president of the Fredericksburg-Spotsylva-nia Chapter of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, Inc., and president of the Fredericksburg Broadcasting Corporation.

Annie Fleming Smith- First Woman Chamber Member-1954

Annie Smith was born in 1883, and grew up sharing her parents’ enthusiasm for local history. She was known near and far simply as “Miss Annie.”

Smith’s mother, Emily Fleming was president of Kenmore Plantation, serving un-til 1940, the year before her death. She became secretary, then director, a post she held until 1954. Smith was also the first woman mem-ber to join the Freder-icksburg Chamber of Commerce, represent-ing the Kenmore Plan-tation.

Smith was listed in the first edition of Mar-quis’ “Who’s Who of American Women;” was cited by the National Antique Show in 1947 as one of ten outstanding in preserving American culture; and was named “First Lady of Fredericksburg” in 1949. She was a found-er and a director of Historic Fredericksburg Foundation Inc.

Miss Annie died on Feb. 25, 1962. She rests beside her mother and others of her family in the Fredericksburg Confederate Cemetery.

Warren Farmer – Executive Secretary, 1951-1957

Warren Farmer was a man of many talents and skills. He worked in California at the Bureau of Public Roads, mapping out roads for Yosemite Park; he went to sea on a mer-chant ship; he worked for RF&P Railroad; he worked in New York at a greeting card manu-facturer; he was reporter and editor at The Free Lance-Star newspaper, and an investment broker.

He moved to Fredericksburg in 1907 with his parents, Bessie and J.C. Farmer. His father was a railroad telegrapher. A native of Rich-mond, Mr. Farmer grew up in Fredericksburg, where he resided at var-ious locations, mostly in the 700 block of Caro-line Street.

When he came to work at the newspaper in 1929, he covered the city police beat.

One of his favorite stories from that time was how petty offenders would be “sentenced to Stafford” by the town Police Court. When a lawbreaker was given a term of 90 days, he would be taken to the Chatham Bridge and told to go to Stafford County and not come back until his time was up. If he came back early, he would go to jail.

“The city rid itself of a nuisance and spared itself the cost of feeding and lodging the per-son for three months,” recalled Mr. Farmer. He added that Stafford officials never complained.

Farmer worked as executive secretary for the Chamber of Commerce for six years.

He mentioned in an oral interview with Mark Jenkins in 1998, that the Chamber was dwindling then. “I was not told, and I didn’t discover until later, the Chamber of Com-merce was on the verge of bankruptcy.” he said. “As if such a thing as that can go bankrupt; it’s not a private business. There was no tourism to promote and industry was not present.”

He continued, “I was fortunate to have good help to reorganize the Chamber; C.B. McDaniel, John Fenlon, and the city manag-er L.J. Houston Jr. We were able to get more members because we needed the money. They started sending me Canada and Toronto to promote tourism for Fredericksburg; and then to New York and Baltimore to meet potential industrial prospects.

Farmer left the Chamber in 1957 and opened the first brokerage in Fredericksburg. He managed Anderson & Strudwick invest-ment brokerage office for 13 years.T. Eldred Lee Jr. President 1971

T. Eldred Lee Jr., was a longtime Freder-icksburg businessman, insurance executive and former City Council member, and served as Chamber president in 1971.

Lee was chairman emeritus and past owner of Lee–Curtis Insurance Service in Fredericks-burg. An Army veteran

of World War II, he began his career in insur-ance in 1949 at the request of his wife, the late Nannie Curtis Lee, whose father, W.E. Curtis, had founded W.E. Curtis Insurance in 1926.

Lee and his wife bought a half-interest in the business from Curtis in 1954 and the rest in 1957. All six of their children followed them into working at what was then called Lee–Curtis Insurance. The first three to join—Thomas, John and Robert Lee—nominated their father for the 1977 Fredericksburg Jay-cees’ Boss of the Year Award, which he won.

Today, the company is known as Lee–Cur-tis, Freeman, Graves & Hall Insurance. Its main office is in Fredericksburg, and it has branches in Culpeper and Spotsylvania coun-ties.

During his career, he was active in civic affairs and served one term on City Council in the 1970s; was a deacon, Sunday school teacher and treasurer for Fairview Baptist Church in Fredericksburg; and was involved in and honored by the Boy Scouts of Amer-ica, among numerous of other organizations. All five of his sons obtained the rank of Eagle Scout.

He died May 2014 at his home, at the age of 94.Lemuel “Lem” W. Houston- President 1977

Lemuel Houston served as the Chamber’s President in 1977.

Despite the Great Depression, he landed a job at The Free Lance-Star in 1938, taking over the social editor’s position who had re-signed. He was a re-porter, edited the social news and The Associat-ed Press wire news.

Houston was home on the afternoon of Dec. 7, 1941, when the telephone rang. The Associat-ed Press was informing its client newspapers about the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and suggesting that teletype machines be turned on. Houston turned on the wire machines, called in staff and printed an extra newspa-per before Rowe got home from the Redskins game.

Houston, a graduate of Virginia Military Institute, entered the Marine Corps as a first lieutenant in July 1942. He served two years in the Pacific, at Pearl Harbor, Iwo Jima and Saipan. He was on a ship loaded with combat troops headed for the invasion of Japan when the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshi-ma and Nagasaki. The ship continued on to Japan and those aboard served as occupation

Annie Flemming Smith

Warren Farmer

T. Eldred Lee Jr.

Lem W. Houston


Featuretroops. He was promoted to Colonel; Hous-ton survived the war, arriving home just in time for Christmas in 1944.

After the war, he returned to The Free Lance-Star with a raise of from $15 a week to $52 per week, according to his oral history. He also worked with the state Division of War Veterans Claims handling local veterans’ and widows’ claims that they were entitled to through the Veterans Administration. He decided the newspaper business was the same grinding work it had always been, and even-tually became the Fredericksburg postmaster.

He retired in 1972 and died in 1998.Prince B. Woodard- President 1980

Prince Woodard was the fifth president at Mary Washington College, from 1974 through 1982. As president, he is credited with major improvements and changes. Notably, changing the all-fe-male institution to co-ed; creation of a nontraditional program known as the bachelor of lib-eral studies (BLS). He also revised the College’s curriculum by introducing six new major undergraduate programs including computer science, histor-ic preservation, performing arts, and business administration. Almost immediately business admin became the College’s largest major.

Woodard had a personal favorite new pro-gram: historic preservation. Woodard enrolled in the first preservation course offered. He paid the fee, attended the classes, wrote the papers, and delivered the oral reports and the exams with the rest of the class. He got an A.

During the time he served as the Chamber’s Board of Directors Chairman, he introduced a graduate program which was advocated by many business and community leaders. A public hearing sponsored by the Consortium for Continuing Higher Education, held on the MWC campus, included pleas from represen-tatives of the Naval Surface Weapons Center at Dahlgren, the Fredericksburg Education Association, and the local public schools. The Board of Visitors unanimously approved the graduate studies program.

In November 1981, Woodard suffered a major heart attack. He recovered and returned to work on light duty two months later. De-spite his efforts continue his job as president, Woodard’s health deteriorated. He died De-cember 21, 1982.

In 1986 the Chamber created an annu-

al award to be given out in his memory. The Prince B. Woodard Leadership Award was named for Woodard’s vision, integrity and ex-traordinary service to the region. The first re-cipient of the award was Charles “Pete” Hearn.Dori Eglevsky- First Chairwoman 1992

Dori Eglevsky, the owner of Keystone Cof-fee and Autospa in downtown Fred-ericksburg, served as chairman of the board in 1992. Dori, the first woman to serve as chairman for the Frede r i c k sburg Regional Cham-ber of Commerce Board of Directors, did not realize the historical endeavor she embarked on. “It doesn’t seem like an accomplishment,” she says. “I didn’t see myself as a ‘woman’ leader, I saw myself as a leader.” She does say, however, that she did play the “woman card” every once in a while. “If something went wrong or got messed up,” she says, “I would say it was be-cause they had a woman to do the job.”

During her time as chairman, Dori had the opportunity to meet the President of the United States, George Bush. “He was coming to Fredericksburg to speak on small business,” she recalls, “so I met with his secret service detail the day before he arrived. After com-pleting the tasks they asked of me and show-ing them around the city the whole day, we ended up at the Mayor’s office where I asked to introduce them to whoever they wanted to introduce the President the next day. I was surprised when they asked me to introduce the President at the next day’s speech. I asked for his press to write a speech for me to pres-ent, and received a very lengthy and political document to read for the next day. I did not feel comfortable reading that piece of press, so I politely declined, and was told to write what-ever I wanted. I wrote a short two-paragraph introduction for the President of the United States, and introduced him that way.”

Dori explains the significant role that the Chamber of Commerce serves in the Fred-ericksburg community. “It offers opportuni-ties of networking with other businesses and other people to make a business more open,” says Dori. “The Chamber keeps business-es connected with so many people who may be struggling through financial concerns and helps them to those concerns around.” When talking of the current state of the Chamber,

Dori says, “the Chamber has grown by leaps and bounds. Susan Spears has done an excel-lent job through her leadership as President.” Gary Nuckols - Chairman 2002

Gary Nuckols, who currently works at the law firm of Hirschler Fleischer, served as Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2002. When ask-ing Gary about his time on the Board, he reminisced about his best memories saying, “there was great sup-port from the Board as we went through some transition to a more issues-orient-ed mission, stirring a conversation on regional cooperation.”

When discussing the challenges he expe-rienced as chairman, Gary shared that there was some underserved flak from other orga-nizations for being allegedly partial to certain development interests. Although there were some misinterpretations of the Board’s mis-sions, overall Nuckol’s experience was a posi-tive one. “I really enjoyed working with a very dedicated group of volunteers,” says Nuckols. When asked what advice he would give future Board members and chairmen, he firmly said to focus on transportation and how it affects the community. Bill Hession- Chairman 2016

Bill Hession, Program Manager at Lock-heed Martin, is the current chairman of the Board of Directors for 2016. When asked about chal-lenges that have occurred through-out his time this year, Bill explains how the Cham-ber needs to con-tinue to advocate for transportation solutions for our region despite lim-ited resources. “The Chamber is helping and growing,” says Bill. “Fredericksburg is a very powerful region and location that the Chamber needs to take advantage of and be the engine that helps to drive the community forward.” Bill encour-ages all of membership to get involved. “Step up, volunteer, and be a part of it,” Bill says. “It’s energizing, rewarding, and great to move for-ward! "

Prince B. Woodard

Dori Eglevsky

Gary Nuckols

Bill Hession


Feature

1916 J. Garnett King1917-1918 Edgar Young1919 C.W. Jones1920 H.K. Sweetser1921 W.L. Brann & H. K. Sweetser1922 H.F. Crismond1923 G.F. Timberlake1924 A.B. Chandler, Jr.1925 S.M. Janney1926-1928 S.L. Scott1929 Alvin T. Embrey1930-1931 Roger E. Clark1932-1933 Roy C. Hopkins1934-1938 Benjamin T. Pitts1939 Claude Parcell1940-1941 C. Archer Smith1942 H. C. James1943-1945 Edward H. Cann1946 James D. Fear & W.H. Chinn, Jr.1947 W.H. Chinn, Jr.1948 E.C. Carpenter1949 Charles J. Beck1950-1951 W.J. Wilkerson1952 W.J. Wilkerson & Charles J. Beck1953-1954 Charles J. Beck1955 Robert E. Leitch & John Fenlon1956 George Williams

1957 Alfred Garnett 1958 Jerry Miller1959 Paul Ventura1960 Flloyd Gibbs & William P. Sale1961 Perry Eackles1962 William Payne1963 Dexter Hubbard1964-1965 T. Stacy Lloyd1966 A.W. Hogeland1967 John A. Nere1968-1969 Edward Z. Angstadt1970 Andrew C. Brown1971 T. Eldred Lee1972 H. Harrison Braxton, Jr.1973-1974 Braxton W. Dawson1975 R. DuVall Dickinson1976 Donald Decker1977 Lemuel Houston1978 Paul H. Hillman1979 Thomas F. Williams, Jr.1980 Prince B. Woodard1981 Pete Hearn1982 Pete Watts1983 William Vakos1984 William Howell1985 Charles G. McDaniel1986 Linden L. White

1987 William M. Anderson1988 Edward V. Allison, Jr.1989 H. Greenlaw, Jr.1990 Bart D. Mix1991 Barry Lutz1992 Dori Eglevsky1993 W. Rod Gentry1994 Roger Murphy1995 Frank Turnage1996 James A. Lewis1997 Linda Worrell1998 Tom Bricken1999 Regis Keddie2000 Fred Rankin2001 Joe Greene2002 Gary Nuckols2003 William Beale2004 Meta Braymer2005 Ben Wafle 2006 Bill Young 2007-2008 Shawn Sloan2009-2010 Woody Van Valkenburgh 2011-2012 Mark Steele2013 Kathy Wall2014 Mike Fidgeon2015 Greg Calvert2016 Bill Hession

100 Years of Presidents & Chairmen

A. Blanton Massey & AssociatesAAA Mid-AtlanticAmerican Heritage Homes (Pruitt Subsidiary)American Traffic Safety Services Association

(ATSSA)Appraisal Group of Fred. & Northern VAB101.5 & WFVA-AM1230Carl’sCary Street PartnersCity of FredericksburgColeman Homes, Inc.Columbia Gas of VirginiaCox BusinessDickinson Equipment, Inc.Dominion Virginia PowerFredericksburg Country ClubFredericksburg Hospitality HouseGeorge Washington Regional CommissionGermanna Community CollegeHilldrup Moving & StorageJ.F. Fick, Inc.

Lee-Curtis Freeman, Graves & Hall InsuranceLewis Insurance AssociatesLittle Tire Company, Inc.Marshall Consulting Group, LLCMary Washington HospitalMcLane Mid-AtlanticMedical Arts PharmacyM-J Printers, Inc.Mullins & Thompson Funeral ServiceNicholls Auction Marketing GroupP.C. Goodloe & Sons, Inc.PBMares, LLPPermaTreat Pest Control-Corporate OfficePNC Bank – Fall Hill BranchPratt Medical Center, Frank Duncan CampusPratt Medical Center, StaffordPrincess Anne Animal HospitalPrintpack, Inc.Purvis Ford, Inc.Quarles Petroleum, Inc.Radley Chevrolet

Rappahannock Area Community Services Board

Rappahannock Area YMCARappahannock Electric CooperativeRappahannock Goodwill IndustriesRappahannock United WayRobert B. Payne, Inc.Rosner Toyota of FredericksburgRoxbury Farm & Garden CenterSilver CompaniesSpotsylvania County GovernmentSpotsylvania Towne CentreSterne AgeeSullivan, Donahoe & IngallsSunTrust Banks, Inc.The Free Lance-StarUniversity of Mary WashingtonVirginia Employment CommissionWalter J. Sheffield, Attorney at LawWJ Vakos Companies

Chamber of Commerce Member for 35+ Years


Feature

Karen Hedelt is passionate about the vibrancy of Old Town Fred-ericksburg. It’s no surprise, con-

sidering that she has spent the last 35 years being intricately involved in its tourism initiatives, and, more recently, its entire eco-nomic development program.

And while Hedelt may be retiring as Fredericksburg’s director of economic de-velopment and tourism on July 31, her love of this city will likely not diminish.

Ever articulate and professional in her role as a representative of the city, she is also known among her staff for her compassion and thoughtfulness.

“Karen is an exacting boss, but she’s also an encourager. She has allowed all of her staff to start new programs and initiatives. She gives us opportunities to grow, yet doesn’t micro-manage,” said Julie Perry, Fredericksburg’s vis-itor center manager.

“She is definitely the leader who takes re-sponsibility when things go wrong, but never fails to share accolades when things go right,” said Lura Hill, the city’s manager of tourism sales.

Hedelt joined the city staff in 1981 as a communication coordinator. In the ensuing years she served as the department’s public re-lations and marketing manager, acting direc-tor and director of tourism. She was named director of the Department of Economic De-velopment and Tourism in 2010.

While her job requires Hedelt to represent the city on myriad commissions, task forces, committees and boards, she is equally com-fortable behind the scenes of tourism and economic development initiatives.

“She does a lot to support the smaller his-toric sites and events,” said Hill.

For example, Hedelt initiated the city’s special event review committee process that helps event organizers—especially those who are inexperienced in this arena—anticipate all of the arrangements that go into a safe, suc-cessful special event.

She also works well with other city depart-ments and is particularly admired by staff of the city public works, fire and police depart-ments for delivering homemade cakes and other treats to them as they work around the clock during snowstorms and other weather emergencies.

Under Hedelt’s watch, a much-need-ed renovation of the Fredericksburg Visitor Center was completed. Restaurant Week, Ghost Tours, UMW Family Weekend and UMW New Student Welcome were initiated. She played a key role in bringing a hotel, the

After 35 years she is ready to “take it easy” and try new things

By JAN ERKERT

““Karen has dedicated her professional life to the betterment of our community, and we have all benefited from her efforts. She will be greatly missed.

Bill Freehling, assistant director for economic development.

“

Hedelt retiring as City's Tourism Director

Her passion for Old Town Fredericksburg and it's beauty reflects on her fulfilled accomplishments.


Feature

Courtyard by Marriott, to downtown Fredericksburg. She has also embraced new tourism “products” (tourism venues and

events), including the Children’s Museum of Richmond--Fredericks-burg, the upcoming Fly City Bike Tours, the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon, and the growing list of events at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center that have significantly increased room stays at local hotels and generated meals and beverage tax income for the city. Under her management, a strategic plan for the Department of Economic Development and Tourism was recently completed.

“Karen has dedicated her professional life to the betterment of our

community, and we have all benefited from her efforts. She will be greatly missed,” said Bill Freehling, assistant director for economic de-velopment.

In 2010, when Hedelt assumed responsibility for the city’s economic development, as well as tourism, she embraced the synergy between the two initiatives. She oversaw the creation of innovative business districts and incentive programs to encourage business growth. New tourism and economic development websites were introduced, making it easier for tourists and businesses to learn about Fredericksburg’s assets. She was an early and strong supporter of the city’s Main Street program.

“Karen is passionate about the Economic Development Authority’s grant programs, particularly the façade program because it has such an impact upon the small businesses that participate in it,” said, Amy Peregoy, economic development specialist. “That program has resulted in a significant ‘facelift’ to downtown.”

Despite all these endeavors, perhaps the best evidence of Hedelt’s dedication to Fredericksburg is her charming habit of picking up small bits of trash on the sidewalk as she walks to meetings from her office downtown. Also she can be found downtown on her day off, tend-ing to an otherwise neglected, small patch of green space near the city parking deck.

Hedelt’s friends and professional associates know that her fami-ly is very important to her. She and her husband of 36 years, Rob, a columnist for The Free Lance-Star, have two grown children: Taylor, who lives in Fredericksburg, and Carden, who lives in Charlotte, N.C. When people ask Hedelt about her plans after retiring, she says only that she wants to “take it easy, and then do something totally different.”

Whatever that is, Fredericksburg will likely be the beneficiary.

In Her Own Words:

Karen Hedelt welcomes DeShawn Robinson-Chew, owner of SheEO, Inc. at a recent grand opening.

Originally from? I was born in South Hill, Virginia but grew up in Seaford, Delaware. Seaford is about 35 miles inland from the Delaware beaches and was home to a DuPont nylon manufacturing plant. It was a great place to grow up. Who has been most influential to you? My father was a businessman in the community I grew up in. Today, more than 25 years after his death, my family stills hears from former em-ployees who appreciated his work ethic, compassion and ability to have fun while achieving good things. I try to emulate his success at identifying strengths in people and encouraging them to our common goals. What accomplishment are you most proud of? Profession-ally, I am most proud of the team I work with in the Dept. of Economic Development and Tourism and consider our collective work to coordinate a strong regional tourism program, stand up a thriving Main Street program, and build tax revenue to the city through business recruitment and retention and lessening tax burdens on our residents to be our most meaningful accomplish-ments. Personally, I am most proud of my children, Carden and Taylor, and the fine people they have become. What has been the best decision you have made? The best de-cision I have made is to marry Rob Hedelt and move to the City of Fredericksburg.Hobbies? I'm an avid gardener and enjoy cooking and enter-taining. When I have spare time, I read. On vacation, I usually read a book a day.

Education? I graduated from Lynchburg College with a B.A, in English Literature/Writing and a minor in business. Favorite TV Show(s)? I mainly watch sports and news on TV but

if I had to cite a favorite show or two, I would pick “The Closer” and “Modern Family.” I was a fiend for “Downton Abbey.”Are you involved in the community? Not as much as I would like. I am active in the Rappahannock Valley Garden Club and a longtime supporter of James Monroe athletics. What are your retirement plans? I have projects in my garden and yard that I'm anxious to tackle, more reading, more travel, definitely more river time and better physical fitness are among my hopes for retirement. After the holidays, I plan to select a few community organizations to become more involved in and I hope to find part time work to keep me occupied. Favorite music or artist? I mainly have Motown loaded onto my iPod but I also enjoy Adele and other current artists. My favorite XM channel is “Coffeehouse.”Best laugh you have had this week? I went to dinner with a few girlfriends earlier this week. I can’t remember what the jokes were but we sure did think we were hysterical. Do you have a personal motto? I think the Golden Rule pretty much is my life’s creed. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Not very original but I think they teach that to us when we’re very young for a reason.


Feature

For 26 years, Joan McLaughlin has been passionate about “her children.” Not her biological children, but the hun-

dreds of schoolchildren who walked the hall-ways of Employment Resources Inc. (ERI) and the Gladys Oberle School.

McLaughlin, although modest about her accomplishments and success, is an illustrious hero whose dedication to helping troubled children no matter the situation makes a huge impact on many pupils and her loy-al staff.

McLaughlin retired last month as president of both ERI, Inc. and Gladys Oberle School, the brain-child of her and late business part-ner, Gladys Oberle. McLaughlin leaves behind an impressive busi-ness footprint. FIRST CAREER CHOICES

McLaughlin attended nursing

school at Lynn Hospital in Massachusetts. Her first job in 1960 was as a night nurse for geriatric women, which she recalls as “very rigorous.” Next, she worked as an ICU nurse in Boston. In 1969, she and her husband, David, moved to Fredericksburg in 1969, where she was employed as s insurance manager, later by INA Corporation.

It took months for her to decide on her next career journey. “During that time, I started writing programs for the Rappahannock Ser-vice Corporation (now the Rappahannock Goodwill Industries),” she said. “I was offered a position doing job placements for three months while an employee was on maternity leave. I did it, and they kept me on for the next

nine years.” ERI Inc. began in 1991 with its

subsidiary, the STAR Center; a one-room center, with three desks, ten trashcans, and three used IBM computers. It relied on grants and donations to operate. The center grew to become a certified, accred-ited alternative school that served school-age youth.

Of course, there are the typical difficulties of owning a business, and McLaughlin’s path hit a tragic curve in 1996 when her business

The Retirement

An unsung hero saving “throw-away” children of Fredericksburg

of Joan McLaughlin

Story & Photos By Dawn Haun

Joan McLaughlin hugs a staff member. She is proudest of her loyal employees.


Featurepartner and best friend, Gladys, died unexpectedly of breast cancer. “Gladys was so sweet and a champion when it came to working with youth,” McLaughlin remembers. “I was heartbroken when she died. Gladys knew something was wrong and was feeling sick. She didn’t want to take time off to go to a doctor and even worked the day she went into the hospital. By the time she did, the cancer was in stage four.” a blossoming partnership

McLaughlin and Oberle’s relationship began when McLaughlin called a local group home to inquire about a young man who had come to her house offering to cut her grass. The supervisor who answered the phone at the group house was Gladys Oberle. As they talked, the two realized they shared a passion for helping troubled youth. Oberle was McLaugh-lin’s first hiring choice when a position opened at the Rappahannock Service Corporation, where she was working. “Gladys was just so per-fect with children,” says McLaughlin. “I would have to wait a lifetime to get case notes from her, but Gladys was solving children problems.”

The pair combined head and heart and created a business plan to provide education and workforce services to youth and adults. The STAR Center was a summer learning cen-ter, providing remediation and tutoring. With Oberle’s experi-ence in working with disabled youth, and McLaughlin’s expe-rience in healthcare and insur-ance, their combined activity in the community, made their partnership a great fit. “I really

loved the kids, and couldn’t understand why they didn’t have parents like I had,” says McLaughlin. “If they didn’t have a good family life, I wanted to be able to offer opportunities to help them succeed.”

The partnership continued and so did the ladies’ determination to continue the school and expand the business. In 1991 they opened ERI, a development program helping youth identify and pursue realistic ca-reer goals.

ERI expanded in 2010, to 404 Willis Street in Fredericksburg, a 12,000-square-foot renovated space providing twice as much room as the school’s previous home at 500 Lafayette Blvd. The Willis Street

building’s history goes back farther. It was built in 1929 and housed the Morganstern pants factory until the 1980s. After Gladys’ death in 1996, McLaughlin renamed the STAR Center to the Gladys H. Oberle School in her memory.

Now the organization is 90% funded by area school systems and 10% by grant funds. ERI’s yearly net worth is $7 million and $4 million in gross receipts. “It’s lovely,” says McLaughlin. “I consider myself to be a lucky woman. We have dynamic teams who love to work with our youth.”

When her husband David retired, he came on board to teach when there was a vacancy at the Oberle school. “He really didn’t have a choice,” she says. He liked teaching so much that he went back to school, got his teaching license, and taught history at the school for five years. David died in 2009.REWARDING AND PROUD

“It takes teamwork to teach and support the students at the school,” she says. “I am proudest and grateful to my staffs, many who have worked here for 25+ years,” she said. Particularly, the school’s princi-pal, Pam Simms and administrative assistant, Joyce Corbin. “I will miss Joan’s presence and her Italian greetings each morning,” said Corbin. “She has been a wonderful boss with an open-door policy, and always considerate and concerned about the staff and students.”

New presideNt NamedRoarke Anderson, Ret. Colonel USMC, is the new president of ERI. He

retired from the Marine Corps after serving for 39 years. “I’m very proud of what we have done here, and excited about the future with the new president,” she said. “We have made a fabulous hire with Roarke Ander-son.” McLaughlin will remain on the ERI Board of Directors and serve as a consultant for the school.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to be walking away, knowing that what I have started will continue to provide a service to the disabled community,” McLaughlin said. “I look at myself and the students who are graduating this year and think about the changes [graduation and retirement] we will have to make. I realized we have to embrace change.”

McLaughlin says her mantra is “embrace the fears and don’t be afraid of it.” She plans to continue living in Fredericksburg, and to vacation at her home in Cape Cod in Bruster, where she plans on learning how to kayak.

McLaughlin shares a laugh with students Anthony Pinn and Va-nessa Springer-Mosely.

Joan McLaughlin (center) stands proudly with two staff mem-bers who've worked at the school for 20+ years. Left: Principal Pam Simms and Administrative Assistant Joyce Corbin.

They are so used to failing; we had to introduce the whole concept of success first, even before we could get them here.

“ “


Kevin Dillard, President/CEO, LifeCare Medical Transports

Each year our Chamber Legislative Affairs Committee looks for potential legislation to support in the coming year. This year, our committee supported several legislative priorities including education, transportation, healthcare, public safety, economic development, and workforce issues.

The committee worked on a legislation that had been unsuccessful, which affected our Healthcare and Public Safety. The bill --presented in 2015 to the General Assembly-- was to eliminate state regulatory borders with a new law allowing Emergency Medical Services authorization to practice in other states. It was killed in subcommittee. The committee garnered a bigger base of support by involving the Chamber of Commerce and Del. Bobby Orrock to support this bill.

This bill means that when an EMS agency needs to travel across state borders they’d be allowed to practice in that state. With the support of the both, the 2016 version of the bill was passed. I was privileged to witness the signing of the bill by Gov. Terry McAuliffe in June.

Virginia is now on the list with other authorized states: Colorado, Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, and Oregon.

The Importance of REPLICA

As the need for more EMS personnel to cross state lines to provide services, a movement to draw attention to licensing practices of EMS personnel so they aren’t accused of practicing medicine in states they’re not licensed in. Only

in the event of a disaster is when the Emergency Medical Assistance Compact (EMAC) address this concern.

The benefits of such a program are numerous. Some key areas are:

• Increased public access to EMS personnel

• Enhance the states’ ability to protect the public’s health and safety

• Accountability, compliance and cooperation of member states

• Support the licensing of military members who are separating from an active duty tour, veterans and their spouses.

The success of this bill is an example of advocacy our Chamber has developed in legislation to improve the economic development, healthcare and public safety of our region.

Originally from: Boston, so I’m a huge Red Sox’s baseball fan, I go to spring training and I subscribe to the MLB package on my TV. I was my father’s only son. He needed a son, and so it was me. I remember on my 30th birthday, I went out and bought a mink coat and a circular saw; that’s me.

Who has been most influential to you? My two older sisters.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? This facility and the workers here. It makes me proud that it provides children opportunities to for learning and proud of the workers here and the dedication and love they have for teaching and helping these children.

What has been the best decision you have made? That would be marrying my husband David. He died in 2009.

Hobbies: Classic cars. I own a red 1973 TR6 convertible and a silver 1971 Opal GT, just like I had in 1971. I have so much fun with them. Education: Started out as a registered nurse, received B.A. in Business from St. Joseph’s College in Portland.

Favorite TV Show: Watching sports, mostly baseball and the Red Sox’s. I don’t like any teams who play against the Red Sox’s.

Are you involved in the commu-nity? Yes, I am a member of the

Rappahannock Rotary and past-president of the Stafford Rotary. I have been a long-time member of the Chamber of Commerce.

What are your retirement plans? Everyone keeps asking me that. I’m going to do what I want to do and when I want to.

Favorite Music: I love the Blues. Last year I took my sisters to Fenway Park and saw James Taylor and Bonnie Raitt. It was excellent.

Best laugh in the interview: Joan: Did I tell you I speak Italian to the students? Bonjour. Allez-vous? When I see the students, we talk to each other in Italian. Me: Oh, so are you Italian? Joan: No, I’m Irish! Haha Haha

In Her Own Words:

Feature

Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Kevin Dillard

Gov. McAuliffe signs bill to recognize EMS in other states


By Larry Root, CEO, SimVentions

As you enter our front doors – there are two things you notice immediately: first, on the wall to the right is a display highlighting our DoD customers and right beneath them is our corporate motto ‘Your Success Is Our Honor™’ – this conveys the heart of service and commitment to technical excellence that we seek to apply in everything we do; second, behind the desk on your left, you are greeted by Mrs. Lindsay Biggs who is the face and voice of SimVentions. She immediately reflects our motto to all who enter by the way she welcomes you…making you feel like her best friend and part of the SimV family.

Upon signing in you’re escorted into our Center Court with an oversized fireplace on one end with lounge seating around, an open spiral stair case on the other end leading to a second floor over-look, tables and chairs of various heights and styles spread about, quaint restaurant style booths, a commercially outfitted pantry with an island-counter and bar-height seating, and a coffee-bar under canopy. Look up to see sky-lights, flags of the U.S. armed services, flags of our SimV employees’ alma maters, and a large video wall with integrated sound and satellite TVs (playing ESPN). Looking down notice the floor resembles the ocean and complements the various ship models on display. Your response is “Wow!” – and we

love that, because it gives us a chance to share that we view our Center Court in the same way most American families view their kitchen (or most college students view their University Center or Commons), a place where food, fellowship, and conversation occur in a relaxed, warm, and inviting environment. There is nothing better to reflect the meaning behind our corporate logo tag line Imagine. Create. Explore. Discover.™ than our Center Court!

The USS Constitution Conference Room is adorned with our nation’s founding documents and many US Flags. The SimV culture is like “a family of patriots, who seek to serve God,

country, and each other in all we do.” We focus on systems engineering, software engineering, cybersecurity engineering, program management, professional education & training, modeling & simulation, productivity tool development and use, and custom solutions.

• Our customers include the DoD and its many related organizations, military bases, and research and development labs – and since these organizations are big and diverse, we personalize them by focusing in on the individual warfighters. They are the point of the spear where we want, and need, to make a difference. We

Looking Inside...

A Walk Thru SimVentions


• Serving God & Country Since 2000

• Current Size is 220+ and Growing

• 3 Offices in VA; 1 in Washington D.C.; Employees in 6 States and 3 Countries

• 2012: Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year

• 2013,14,15: Inc. 500|5000 List of Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies in the U.S.

• 2013: STEM 16 Steering Committee Spotlight Award

• 2013,14,15,16: Virginia Values Veterans (V3) 3rd Level Certified Employer

• 2014,15,16: Virginia Fantastic 50 List of Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies in VA

• 2016: Inc. Top 50 Places To Work in U.S.

continually strive to be involved in the tools, technologies, systems, and capabilities that our warfighters need to do the job of protecting this nation and its interests around the world. It is this level of focus and commitment that has earned us a ranking on the Inc. 500|5000 list of fastest growing privately held companies in the U.S. for 3 straight years, and, a ranking on the Virginia Fantastic 50 list for 3 straight years.

• Our family at SimV is made up of the best and brightest that this country has to offer the DOD industry. Many are considered national assets, and all have a heart for serving. They are highly educated, well compensated, many are veterans, and all take pride in their work and commitment to technical excellence. We do all we can to ensure they, and their families, are taken care of as best as possible. As a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Third Level Certified Employer, recipient of the Best Places To Work In Virginia award for 4 straight years, and one of the 50 Best Places to Work in 2016 according to Inc. Magazine – we must be doing a pretty good job!

• Our community is one of the hidden treasures of this great country. We like to refer to it as “a special piece of God’s country” and feel doubly blessed to be able to work where we live! So, whether its Special Olympics, Red Cross blood drives, STEM initiatives, local sports teams, international missions, Chamber initiatives and events,

Christian Youth Theater (CYT), YMCA, Smart Beginnings, Stop Hunger Now, our SimV summer internship program, or the host of other very deserving community activities we support. If you work here at SimV and are part of our family, there will be opportunity for you to contribute.

Leaving the USS Constitution Conference Room and see Ricky Johnson who is in charge of the office cleaning crew. His job is just as important in supporting our warfighters as the rest of the SimV staff. And like Lindsay Biggs, you find Ricky Johnson offering you a smile and a kind word – continuing to make you feel part of our family here at SimV.

We hope this “walk thru SimVentions” has provided a small glimpse into what makes us unique. With employees in six states and three countries, additional offices in Dahlgren, Quantico, and Washington D.C., a workforce of over 220 and growing, there are many things happening throughout all of SimVentions in support of our nation and its warfighters! Godspeed!


From the Cover

Kris Sieber, is Director of Member Services for Rappahannock Elec-tric Cooperative. This is her twen-ty-ninth year in the utility business

and fifteenth year with REC. As the supervisor of approximately sixty employees in three areas, Kris’s mantra is to never assume the worst! “I don’t give up,” she says. “Failure bounces off me like rubber.”

In a male-centric business world, Kris’s outlook is to stay positive and love her job. “We shouldn’t think of the business world as an “us or them” en-vironment,” says Kris. “Life is better when you have fun at what you do and you have a connec-tion with the people you work with.”

A great mentor in Kris’s life is the woman who gave Kris her first job, Betty Meadows of Mead-ows Farms. Kris first worked for Meadows Farm as a bedding plant salesperson. “She taught me why it is important to care about the customer and why doing it right the first time is always the best option,” says Kris. “She made it clear that as long as you did your best, whether you messed up

or excelled, she would be proud of us.” Kris also says her parents and family offer her support no matter the difficult task she may be working on. “I almost dropped out of my MBA program,” states Kris. “It was a tough time, Hurricane Isabelle had devastated our area, everyone at work was work-ing long hours, I had an exam due, and on a per-sonal level my brother was critically ill. My mom stepped in and said she would do whatever it took to keep me going. She told me she would come to my house and cook, clean, whatever… It made me stop, make some improvements to my time man-agement and dig in. For the next month, she called me regularly, checked on me and kept me going. It was exactly what I needed.”

Kris’s advice to women leaders is to participate! “If you don’t speak up,” she says, “or if you’re not active in a team project, the other team members won’t want you back.” Kris believes that if you stay active, love what you are doing, and speak to people directly, then leading excellence can be achieved.

Linda Rivera an authentic and dedicated leader, is the Vice President of Quality and Customer Relations for Hilldrup Moving and Storage. Working for the

company for twenty years, Linda understands the quality goal at Hilldrup, which is to be number one in any measurable category. “It takes a team effort to attain that goal,” says Linda, “and I lead the charge.” Every day is a new challenge and she stays motivated through the power of Christ and the love of her husband and two children.

“Quality seems to be a thread woven through-out my career,” says Linda. Early in her career, Lin-da worked for Air Canada in Toronto, Canada, and earned a promotion from Customer Service Rep-resentative to Marketing Analyst. “I believe that role was my first introduction to quality assurance,” explains Linda, “and back then service excellence was critically important, nothing like air travel to-day.” While living in Oahu, Hawaii, Linda worked for a very busy hotel, promoted from the role of Reservations Manager to Front Office Manager. “I

assisted in completely renovating a sister hotel in Kauai, again assuring the quality of the services of-fered and standardizing décor in each guest room.”

Being a quality assurance leader is no small feat, especially as a female. “In some industries,” ex-plains Linda, “women simply have to work harder to prove their abilities, and be taken seriously. As a woman leader in my profession, it was a challenge at first to gain the trust of packers and van oper-ators serving our customers, along with our male executives in the company. Women have to be determined, focused, and willing to speak up and share their opinions with their male counterparts.” Linda’s advice to women when dealing with male counter-parts is to not let their feelings get involved with their decision-making. “Conduct yourself in a professional manner, to include your personal ap-pearance, and believe in yourself if you’ve earned your seat at the table,” Linda says. “Develop and mentor younger women sharing your experiences to help them succeed.”

Roberta Tinch became the COO and ECO for Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center just two years ago at the age of 29. She received her

Bachelor of Arts from University of Virginia and her Masters of Healthcare Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University, and has al-ways portrayed the life of a supportive and driven leader. From beginning her career as an admin-istrative resident at the Medical Center of Aurora in Denver, Colorado, to managing 600 employees at SRMC, Roberta has taken both the medical and business worlds by storm. Throughout her short career at multiple medical facilities, Roberta has overseen a $60 million hospital expansion, been responsible for over $20 million worth of hospital renovations to improve patient and family expe-riences, overseen the strategic growth of hospital services lines, directed an ER renovation and re-vamp development project, and assured patients and families of safety and support during the Au-rora Theater Shooting. “My challenge in my ca-reer has often been that I am usually the youngest

executive leader on the team,” says Roberta. In order to be a great leader, Roberta needed

some great mentors throughout her life. “My mother has been a nurse for 45 years and I grew up in the hospital environment watching how processes work,” says Roberta. “My father has received two kidney transplants and I have first-hand experience of navigating through the hos-pital system as both a family member receiving critical care services and as a leader integrating healthcare plans. My primary goal is to aid nurses like my mother in taking care of patients like my father. This influences me to do whatever I can to be a patient and employee advocate.”

When talking of leadership success, Roberta says it boils down to the following six secrets: 1) Actively listening to what your stakeholders have to say 2) Be visible and present amongst your staff so that they know who you are and they know that you value their contributions 3) Be compas-sionate and respect your direct reports personal lives 4) Manage by exception – trust that you have

“People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care”

LINDA’S FAVORITE QUOTE“If you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get out of the boat” - John Ortberg

Rebecca Rubin is the Founder, President, and CEO of Marstel-Day, LLC, an envi-ronmental consultancy headquartered in downtown Fredericksburg. After earning

a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University and a Mas-ters of Arts from Columbia University, Rebecca set out to show others just how large the concern for the en-vironment is. “Despite how compromised our planet is because of such forces as habitat destruction,” ex-plains Rebecca, “there is a continued and almost vig-ilant denial of how breath-takingly serious the situation is, which in turn is a daily reminder to me of exactly why our work – as a na-ture-based company – is needed now more than ever.”

Rebecca begins each day by having a cup of coffee with her husband, which is “among the best moments of the day,” she says. Rebecca started her business fifteen years ago with the desire to take a business-related environmental issue or concern and find an ap-propriate and reasonable solution. “In some sense,” she explains, “the challenge has always been to move the needle forward on fundamen-

tal and abiding needs -- whether on human rights or large, landscape scale conservation – often while faced with societal pressures moving in an equal or greater, and opposite, direction.”

To date, Rebecca’s greatest professional accomplishment is the preservation of over a half-million

Linda Rivera - VP of Quality & Customer Relations for Hilldrup Moving & Storage

KRIS’ FAVORITE QUOTE “Perfection is not attainable; but, if we chase perfection, excellence is achieved.” – Vince Lombardi

“Treat everyone with the same respect from the janitor to the CEO”

“Be brief, be brilliant, be gone.”

ROBERTA’S FAVORITE QUOTE“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The timing of a decision and the care with which you make it are often as important as the decision itself.”

REBECCA’S FAVORITE QUOTE“I see my path, but I don’t know where it leads. Not knowing where I’m going is what inspires me to travel it.” – Rosalia de Castro

Fredericksburg Area Women in Business

Kris Sieber - Director of Member Services for Rappahannock Electric Cooperative

Roberta Tinch - COO and ECO for Spotsylvania Regional Medical CenterRebecca Rubin - Founder, President and CEO of Marstel-Day, LLC

Stories by Elizabeth Buhl • Photos by Dawn Haun

Submitted photo

Linda Rivera continued on next page 29

Roberta Tinch continued on next page 29Rebecca Rubin continued on next page 29


From the Cover

Kris Sieber, is Director of Member Services for Rappahannock Elec-tric Cooperative. This is her twen-ty-ninth year in the utility business

and fifteenth year with REC. As the supervisor of approximately sixty employees in three areas, Kris’s mantra is to never assume the worst! “I don’t give up,” she says. “Failure bounces off me like rubber.”

In a male-centric business world, Kris’s outlook is to stay positive and love her job. “We shouldn’t think of the business world as an “us or them” en-vironment,” says Kris. “Life is better when you have fun at what you do and you have a connec-tion with the people you work with.”

A great mentor in Kris’s life is the woman who gave Kris her first job, Betty Meadows of Mead-ows Farms. Kris first worked for Meadows Farm as a bedding plant salesperson. “She taught me why it is important to care about the customer and why doing it right the first time is always the best option,” says Kris. “She made it clear that as long as you did your best, whether you messed up

or excelled, she would be proud of us.” Kris also says her parents and family offer her support no matter the difficult task she may be working on. “I almost dropped out of my MBA program,” states Kris. “It was a tough time, Hurricane Isabelle had devastated our area, everyone at work was work-ing long hours, I had an exam due, and on a per-sonal level my brother was critically ill. My mom stepped in and said she would do whatever it took to keep me going. She told me she would come to my house and cook, clean, whatever… It made me stop, make some improvements to my time man-agement and dig in. For the next month, she called me regularly, checked on me and kept me going. It was exactly what I needed.”

Kris’s advice to women leaders is to participate! “If you don’t speak up,” she says, “or if you’re not active in a team project, the other team members won’t want you back.” Kris believes that if you stay active, love what you are doing, and speak to people directly, then leading excellence can be achieved.

Linda Rivera an authentic and dedicated leader, is the Vice President of Quality and Customer Relations for Hilldrup Moving and Storage. Working for the

company for twenty years, Linda understands the quality goal at Hilldrup, which is to be number one in any measurable category. “It takes a team effort to attain that goal,” says Linda, “and I lead the charge.” Every day is a new challenge and she stays motivated through the power of Christ and the love of her husband and two children.

“Quality seems to be a thread woven through-out my career,” says Linda. Early in her career, Lin-da worked for Air Canada in Toronto, Canada, and earned a promotion from Customer Service Rep-resentative to Marketing Analyst. “I believe that role was my first introduction to quality assurance,” explains Linda, “and back then service excellence was critically important, nothing like air travel to-day.” While living in Oahu, Hawaii, Linda worked for a very busy hotel, promoted from the role of Reservations Manager to Front Office Manager. “I

assisted in completely renovating a sister hotel in Kauai, again assuring the quality of the services of-fered and standardizing décor in each guest room.”

Being a quality assurance leader is no small feat, especially as a female. “In some industries,” ex-plains Linda, “women simply have to work harder to prove their abilities, and be taken seriously. As a woman leader in my profession, it was a challenge at first to gain the trust of packers and van oper-ators serving our customers, along with our male executives in the company. Women have to be determined, focused, and willing to speak up and share their opinions with their male counterparts.” Linda’s advice to women when dealing with male counter-parts is to not let their feelings get involved with their decision-making. “Conduct yourself in a professional manner, to include your personal ap-pearance, and believe in yourself if you’ve earned your seat at the table,” Linda says. “Develop and mentor younger women sharing your experiences to help them succeed.”

Roberta Tinch became the COO and ECO for Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center just two years ago at the age of 29. She received her

Bachelor of Arts from University of Virginia and her Masters of Healthcare Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University, and has al-ways portrayed the life of a supportive and driven leader. From beginning her career as an admin-istrative resident at the Medical Center of Aurora in Denver, Colorado, to managing 600 employees at SRMC, Roberta has taken both the medical and business worlds by storm. Throughout her short career at multiple medical facilities, Roberta has overseen a $60 million hospital expansion, been responsible for over $20 million worth of hospital renovations to improve patient and family expe-riences, overseen the strategic growth of hospital services lines, directed an ER renovation and re-vamp development project, and assured patients and families of safety and support during the Au-rora Theater Shooting. “My challenge in my ca-reer has often been that I am usually the youngest

executive leader on the team,” says Roberta. In order to be a great leader, Roberta needed

some great mentors throughout her life. “My mother has been a nurse for 45 years and I grew up in the hospital environment watching how processes work,” says Roberta. “My father has received two kidney transplants and I have first-hand experience of navigating through the hos-pital system as both a family member receiving critical care services and as a leader integrating healthcare plans. My primary goal is to aid nurses like my mother in taking care of patients like my father. This influences me to do whatever I can to be a patient and employee advocate.”

When talking of leadership success, Roberta says it boils down to the following six secrets: 1) Actively listening to what your stakeholders have to say 2) Be visible and present amongst your staff so that they know who you are and they know that you value their contributions 3) Be compas-sionate and respect your direct reports personal lives 4) Manage by exception – trust that you have

“People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care”

LINDA’S FAVORITE QUOTE“If you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get out of the boat” - John Ortberg

Rebecca Rubin is the Founder, President, and CEO of Marstel-Day, LLC, an envi-ronmental consultancy headquartered in downtown Fredericksburg. After earning

a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University and a Mas-ters of Arts from Columbia University, Rebecca set out to show others just how large the concern for the en-vironment is. “Despite how compromised our planet is because of such forces as habitat destruction,” ex-plains Rebecca, “there is a continued and almost vig-ilant denial of how breath-takingly serious the situation is, which in turn is a daily reminder to me of exactly why our work – as a na-ture-based company – is needed now more than ever.”

Rebecca begins each day by having a cup of coffee with her husband, which is “among the best moments of the day,” she says. Rebecca started her business fifteen years ago with the desire to take a business-related environmental issue or concern and find an ap-propriate and reasonable solution. “In some sense,” she explains, “the challenge has always been to move the needle forward on fundamen-

tal and abiding needs -- whether on human rights or large, landscape scale conservation – often while faced with societal pressures moving in an equal or greater, and opposite, direction.”

To date, Rebecca’s greatest professional accomplishment is the preservation of over a half-million

Linda Rivera - VP of Quality & Customer Relations for Hilldrup Moving & Storage

KRIS’ FAVORITE QUOTE “Perfection is not attainable; but, if we chase perfection, excellence is achieved.” – Vince Lombardi

“Treat everyone with the same respect from the janitor to the CEO”

“Be brief, be brilliant, be gone.”

ROBERTA’S FAVORITE QUOTE“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The timing of a decision and the care with which you make it are often as important as the decision itself.”

REBECCA’S FAVORITE QUOTE“I see my path, but I don’t know where it leads. Not knowing where I’m going is what inspires me to travel it.” – Rosalia de Castro

Fredericksburg Area Women in Business

Kris Sieber - Director of Member Services for Rappahannock Electric Cooperative

Roberta Tinch - COO and ECO for Spotsylvania Regional Medical CenterRebecca Rubin - Founder, President and CEO of Marstel-Day, LLC

Stories by Elizabeth Buhl • Photos by Dawn Haun

Submitted photo

Linda Rivera continued on next page 29

Roberta Tinch continued on next page 29Rebecca Rubin continued on next page 29


Embracing Cloud Storage Solutions for Small Businesses

Chris Asmus

Tech Solutions

Our Cloud Storage Solution Recommendations:Product Name Monthly Plan

DetailsOS/PlatformSupported

Collab/Share

Free trial

Google DriveEasy access, sharing, collaboration, and synchronization of files across devices. Includes Google office apps - Docs, Sheets and Slides. Great product for Google users.

15GB free$10//1TB

Per user

Windows, Mac, iOS,Android

Y Y

Certain SafeHigh end data security protection. Regulatory compliance for government, financial, healthcare, legal, real estate, and nonprofit industries. Secure collaboration.

$12/100GB$15/250GB

Per user

Most Y Y

Microsoft OneDriveEasy access, collaboration/sharing, and synchronization across devices. Plans include basic storage, or storage + Office 365 office tools - Word, Excel, Power Point and One Note. Great product for Microsoft users.

5GB free$1.99/50GB

$6.99/1TB/1 user*$9.99/1TB/5 users**space + Office 365

Windows,Mac, iOS,Android,

Win.Phone

Y Y

IDriveStore, backup and access your files (including Facebook and Instagram photos) from all of your devices to one location. Plans for personal or business (including servers and linux) storage/backup. Note: plans are per year with additional discounts for 2 year terms.

5GB freePersonal:

$52/1TB/year$375/10TB/year

Business:$75/250GB/year

$150/500GB/year$375/1.25TB/year

Most N N

BoxSecurely share and collaborate, backup, and manage your files from any device. Plans for small groups to large busi-nesses including major industry enterprise solutions.

$5/100GB/user*$15/unlimited/user*

*minimum 3 users

Most Y N

DropboxSecure storage, backup, and recovery for files. When a file is added to Dropbox it is automatically synced to all devices connected to the account. Easy collaboration. Personal, business and enterprise solutions.

2GB free$10/month/1TB

Most Y Y

iCloudApple’s cloud storage solution (with some features available on PCs) for photos, videos, and documents. Works with Pag-es, Numbers, and Keynote apps, mail, calendar, reminders, etc. Files on your Apple devices are automatically backed up. Sharing and collaboration.

5GB free$0.99/50GB

$2.99/200GB$9.99/1TB

Mac, iOS Y N

By Chris Asmus, netadept.com

What exactly is cloud storage?

Cloud storage refers to uploading, storing and accessing your important files (everything from documents and photos to music and videos) remotely on a cloud storage provider’s high-tech servers. While you can see the files on your devices, they actually live on the provider’s server and are being delivered to your devices through the internet. The benefits are that your data is protected and can be easily shared, restored, and/or synchronized to multiple devices. Most cloud storage providers allow a limited amount of free storage, but charge a nominal fee for additional space and more robust features.

5 Reasons why your company should use cloud storage:

Cloud storage goes above and beyond beyond simple file storage. Here are some of the most compelling reasons for your company to leverage cloud storage solutions:

1. Location, location, location: Your important files can be accessed from any location and almost any computer or device with an internet connection in the world - meaning you can work from your computer at home, in the office, from your phone at a coffee shop, or a tablet on a beach in Bora Bora. Most cloud storage solutions have easy and/or built in synchronization that ensures the most recent version of your files can be accessed across all of your devices.

2. File sharing and collaboration: Most cloud storage solutions allow you set access or permission levels to share files and directories, allowing individuals or groups to share data and work together on files wherever they are, creating a truly global workforce.

3. Backup and data protection: The multi-location servers of most cloud storage providers protect your data from natural disasters, power outages or surges, and hardware failures. Because your important files are automatically backed up, you don’t have to remember or go through the tedious process of doing a manual backup. If you do have a hardware failure like a crashed hard drive or virus, you can easily recover your files.

4. Security: Cloud storage companies employ technology and security experts to keep your data safe from hackers and ensure the latest security patches and technology updates are in place. Most require a login and some provide multi-level authentication for you to access your files. Almost all of them offer data encryption, which means your data is literally scrambled using code, programming, and algorithms so that it can only be deciphered by authorized users.

5. Performance and cost savings: Because of competition and the demand of savvy consumers, cloud storage providers have to be performance and cost driven. Their solutions need to be robust but easy to use, fast, secure, and affordable. While the price of services varies between companies, services, and the amount of storage needed, the cost is a fraction of what a business would pay to buy and maintain their own data backup and storage servers and keep security patches and software up to date.

How do I choose the best cloud storage solution for my business?

There are dozens of great cloud storage solutions out there, so which one is right for you? It is important to have an understanding of which devices you use, how much storage capacity you will need, and what additional functions you want from your cloud storage solution. Are you looking for a simple data backup plan or do you want your staff to be able to collaborate on projects and files? Are you a Google, Microsoft, or Apple fan/user? Is file security the most important consideration or do you need a solution that meets strict compliance regulations?

We combed through the tech articles, ratings, reviews, and the product websites themselves to come up with a list of some of the best cloud storage solutions for small businesses. For each we included a brief summary of features, link to the product website (click on the product name), cost, operating systems supported, and other information to help you make an informed decision. Whatever your needs, all of the recommended solutions offer secure data encryption and will provide backups for your important files!


By Lynne Richardson

Most of us work a long, long time. Whether you’ve been working for 5 or 45 years, you may have hit a wall in your current position. So my question to you is, ARE YOU STUCK?

You may not even realize you’re stuck! You’ve been in your current job so long that it’s easy. You’re on auto pilot. Every day is much the same. But it’s comfortable, safe, provides a steady paycheck, and life is rolling right along.

Or maybe you know that you’re stuck. You’ve felt for months (or years—yikes!) that you are in maintenance mode. You’re going through the motions. The job has not challenged you in a long time.

So I’m challenging you. Why are you allowing yourself to be stuck?

Years ago I was talking with a man who ran a factory. He mentioned that he had a tough time getting people to take promotions from the factory floor, where they worked on a line (think conveyor belt) each day. The job was fairly routine, not requiring a lot of thought.

Why, I asked, would someone not want to be promoted? His response caused me to pause: “They don’t want to have to be responsible for anyone other than themselves AND they don’t want to have to take the job home with them.” When I asked what the latter meant, he reminded me that managers have to think about work a lot of the time while away from work. These folks didn’t want that.

They wanted to go home and coach little league, lead Scout troops, and spend time on hobbies and with their families. They didn’t want to have to stay late at work to deal with a pesky personnel problem or get called back to the office if there was a mechanical issue.

From my standpoint as a person who needs new challenges, it was hard for me to understand.

So back to you. Are you stuck? If you know you are and you’re stuck because you CHOOSE to be (like the factory folks above), so be it. But what if you want new opportunities? What’s holding you back?

Is it fear? Do you think you cannot do more? Are you not talented, experienced, or maybe smart enough? SURE YOU ARE!

Or perhaps you got into this rut and, until now, didn’t realize you wanted new tests. Talk with your supervisor. Ask her to help you grow in new ways.

But whatever you do, please don’t get stuck in a job, especially if you want new challenges! If it means learning new skills, returning to school for an additional certification or degree, or finding a mentor to help you prepare for the next step in your career, DO IT.

Please don’t hit retirement age and have regrets about what COULD HAVE BEEN. It’s up to you. Lynne Richardson is the dean of the University of Mary Washington’s College of Business and a marketing professor.

Are You Stuck?

Dr. Lynne Richardson

Tips from the Pro

When you’re in medicine,it helps to have a bankthat understands themedical industry.

Our experts have years of experience meeting the unique challenges and requirements of the medical industry. In addition to specialized service for the local healthcare sector, we serve businesses of all sizes across a broad range of industries. Call one of our dedicated business bankers at 540-993-6172 for the right tools and advice to help you achieve your goals.

cbtc.com

3573_CBotC_MedicalAd_4.125x11_FredericksburgRegionalChamber_1.2.indd 1 7/1/16 1:21 PM


By Mike DeCamps, Chairman Sands & Anderson PC Employment Practice Group

The long awaited final rule updating the regulations relating to overtime exemptions for executive, administrative and professional employees was published on May 17, 2016. Contrary to all the hoopla that was written about this anticipated final rule, the Obama administration did not wait until Labor Day or the Fourth of July to publish it. The fact sheet published by the Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of Labor can be found at www.dol.gov/whd/overtime/final2016/overtime-factsheet.htm. The effective date of the final rule is December 1, 2016.

The key provisions of the final rule are as follows:1. The salary threshold for employees who are exempt –

and therefore not eligible for overtime – will jump from $23,660 to $47,476 annually for a full year worker. In other words if you are an exempt employee under the executive, administrative or professional category and earn less than $47,476, after December 1, 2016 you will become nonexempt and eligible for overtime pay;

2. The total annual compensation for highly compensated employees who are subject to a lesser “duties” test will increase from $100,000 to $134,004;

3. The salary and compensation levels will be reevaluated every three years under a mechanism that will modify these new levels in accord with the percentile of earnings at which they have been established (the 40th percentile of earnings for fulltime salary workers for

the $47,476 salary level and the 90th percentile for fulltime salary workers for the $134,004 highly compensated employee level).

It is estimated that some 4.2 million more employees in the United States will be eligible to earn overtime pay when the new final rule takes effect on December 1. Employers who are concerned about the impact of this final rule on their bottom line may choose to react in multiple ways. Now is not only a good time for employers to receive counsel about the best strategy to respond to and comply with the final rule, but also to address any issues employers might have about compliance with the complex wage and hour laws.

While employers are in this “overtime period” prior to the effective date of the final rule, employers should audit their exempt employees to determine how many will be subject to the final rule. In the recent months there have been numerous publications and commentaries about the likely impact of the final rule and suggested strategies for communicating the changes to your employees and implementing it. The employment law attorneys at Sands Anderson are available to counsel on this subject and to help employers remain compliant with this final rule and the wage and hour laws.

Trailblazer Spotlight

Employers head into overtime preparing for new wage and hour rules

Michael DeCamps

Best Western Plus Thornburg Inn & Suites

Bin There Dump That

Campers Inn RV Fredericksburg

Community Bank of the Chesapeake

Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies


Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies

Midst of the Storm

Residence Inn, Fredericksburg

SheEO, LLC

Sushi King Restaurant, Central Park

IN AS LITTLE AS FIFTEEN MINUTES KNOW IF YOUR BUSINESS IS AT RISK.

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Legendary singer Tony Bennett and award-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth will headline the University of Mary Washington Philharmonic’s upcoming season.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have Mr. Bennett and Ms. Chenoweth performing with the Philharmonic this season,” said Kevin Bartram, director of the UMW Philharmonic.

Two celebrity concerts will follow the Philharmonic’s October Masterworks season opener on Saturday, Oct. 22, in Dodd Auditorium in George Washington Hall. Also, the orchestra will perform Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica,” Sibelius’ Finlandia and Smetana’s The Moldau.

Bennett will perform at the holiday concert on Dec. 9, in Dodd Auditorium. The celebrated singer, winner of 17 Grammy Awards and seven Emmys, has sold millions of albums worldwide. A jazz vocalist, Bennett recorded his first hit, “Because of You,” in 1951 and made a career singing standards, including his signature song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco. Tickets go on sale Oct. 24 to the general public, Oct. 10 to Friends of the Philharmonic.

Chenoweth will perform with the Philharmonic as part of the Celebrity Series on March 18, in Dodd Auditorium. The career of the Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress spans film,

television, voiceover and stage. She is best known for her inaugural role of Glinda the Good Witch in the Broadway show Wicked. Her many television roles include The West Wing, Glee and Disney’s The Descendants.

The Philharmonic started its Celebrity Series concert in 2004. Past artists have included Marvin Hamlisch, Itzhak Perlman, and last year, Joshua Bell. Tickets will go on sale Jan. 16 to the general public, Jan. 9 to Friends of the Philharmonic.

The season’s finale on April 28 will feature Aaron Copland’s Pulitzer Prize-winning composition “Appalachian Spring.” Also, internationally renowned horn player Eric Ruske will perform Richard Strauss’ “Horn Concerto No. 1.”

For more information or to become a Friend of the Philharmonic, call 540-654-1324 or visit umwphilharmonic.com.

By Elizabeth Buhl

We are very excited to welcome our newest member, Dr. Troy Paino, to the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce! Dr. Paino serves as the 10th President of the University of Mary Washington.

Dr. Paino has been president of Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri for six years. Truman is currently ranked the “No. 1 Public University in the Midwest Region” by U.S. News & World Report. He is a popular leader of the students at Truman and developed a reputation as being personable and involved in student life on the campus.

Paino served as provost and Vice President for academic fairs at Truman State and as dean of Winona State University’s College of Liberal Arts. Dr. Paino graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy from Evangel University and earned doctorate and master’s degrees in American studies from Michigan University. He also holds a juris doctorate from Indiana University.

Paino comes to Fredericksburg and the University of Mary

Washington with a wide array of experience. He serves on the board of directors of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, is a member of the Association of American Colleges and Universities President’s Trust for Liberal Education and America’s Promise, serves as president-elect of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, and holds the position of treasurer of the Council on Public Higher Education in Missouri.

Dr Paino will be the guest speaker at our July 26 Chamber Roundtable in Fredericksburg, held at the Courtyard Marriott on Caroline Street.

Again, welcome Dr. Troy Paino to the Chamber; we look forward to working with you on the many projects to come!

Tony Bennett and Kristin Chenoweth to perform with UMW Philharmonic

Warm welcome to UMW’s tenth president

Dr. Troy Paino

News


By Julie Williams-Daves, Environmental Manager & Community Outreach Coordinator, Rappahannock Regional Solid Waste Management Board, Stafford County

I love trash! No, this article was not written by “Oscar the Grouch.” Actually, solid waste management is an important part of our daily lives, which most people don’t think about. At the Stafford Regional Landfill, we are concerned with the large amount of trash being thrown away; the amount of recycling in our community; and protecting the environment while handling the garbage safely.

The Rappahannock Regional Solid Waste Management Board (R-Board) operates the Regional Landfill on Eskimo Hill Road in Stafford, the Belman Road Recycling Center in Fredericksburg, and several drop-off recycling centers around the County and City. The customers are citizens and trash hauling companies and we strive to handle waste in the most environmentally sound manner possible.

There is a cost to dumping trash. The R-Board, who are members of the City Council and City Manager, Board of Supervisors, and the County Administrator, manages it without tax dollars. Our operations budget is separate from the general funds of both Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg. Revenue comes from user fees for residents and commercial disposal fees. The resale of recyclables and landfill gas makes up the rest.

The R-Board owns nearly 800 acres in Stafford County, which is not primarily for burying trash. There are several acres of closed landfill space, an active area, and future plans expected to provide garbage disposal for the next 50 years. We are governed by a number of local, state and federal permits.

However, landfilling trash is not all we do! • The Regional Landfill has achieved an E3 certification

in the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s Virginia Environmental Excellence Program, a voluntary

program promoting environmental management systems and pollution prevention above and beyond the minimum compliance requirements.

• The R-Board partnered with Ameresco, Inc. in 2008 to capture landfill gas and put it to the beneficial use of generating electricity. With two methane-burning engines, just over 2MW of electricity is continuously fed into the grid, equating what approximately 1,300 homes use in one year.

• The R-Board offers a robust recycling program from single-stream, to scrap metal and tires, to batteries and fluorescent bulbs, and more. The R-Board consistently achieves one of the highest recycling rates in the state and boasts a 58.4% recycling rate for 2015. The R-Board depends on individuals and businesses to help us achieve this rate. You all are doing a fantastic job!

• Rappa-Grow is the compost made at the landfill from biosolids and shredded yard waste. It is a Class A compost product and is for sale to individuals. In addition to recycling organic materials onsite, we partner with the Virginia Cooperative Extension to teach backyard composting at our award winning Backyard Composting 101 classes.

• R-Board staff serves on community committees dedicated to conservation and sustainability efforts, provides curriculum supplements to primary and secondary schools in our jurisdiction, and offers tours of our facilities and other hands-on activities in our efforts to engage and educate everyone about solid waste management.

Do you want to learn more about why certain items are accepted for recycling and others are not? Make sure your business’s recycling efforts are being included in our recycling rate. Would you like a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at where your trash goes? Schedule a landfill tour today!

Call 540-658-4579 or visit www.r-board.org for more information.

CHALLENGE

#GreenBiz2016

2016Green BusinessFREDERICKSBURG REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Talkin’ Trash

Our Environment

The new Cell F-2 which opened in January, is nearly ten acres

where trash is currently placed.



WelcomeMidst of the Storm Tracie Logan 11914 Boulder Ct. Spotsylvania, VA 22553 Phone: (571) 201-5222 Toll Free: 1-877-211-8816 midstofthestorm.com [email protected] Organizing Services*

Dragon Entertainment & Talent Management Jennifer Gregory 6913 Battiste Lane Spotsylvania, VA 22551 Phone: (407) 436-2004 dragontalentmanagement.com [email protected] Entertainment*

netadept Chris Asmus P.O. Box 243 Garrisonville, VA 22463 Phone: (540) 446-1520 netadept.com [email protected] Web Design & Hosting Services*

Movement Mortgage - Premier Services Team Scott Livingston 302 Westwood Office Park Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 809-4828 scottjlivingston.com [email protected] Mortgage Company*

Featherstone LLC Melinda May P.O. Box 7434 Fredericksburg, VA 22404 Phone: (540) 845-2451 featherstonecpa.com Accounting & Tax Service*

Caroline Street Catering Shane Sheaffer 4828 Southpoint Parkway Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Phone: (540) 654-9180 carolinestreetcatering.com [email protected] Caterers*

Campers Inn RV Fredericksburg 1132 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22405 Phone: (540) 602-2030 [email protected] RV Sales*

Blossman Propane Tim Amrhein 11011 Houser Drive, Unit 27 Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 548-0254 blossmangas.com [email protected] Propane/Gas Products*

Play It Again Sports Michael Donohue 1281 Jeff Davis Hwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 374-9284 playitagainsportsfredericksburg.com [email protected] Sporting Goods/Collectibles*

Best Western Plus Thornburg Inn & Suites Ashleigh Smith 5217 Mudd Tavern Rd. Thornburg, VA 22580 Phone: (540) 805-5023 bestwestern.com/ PLUSThornburgInnandSuites.com [email protected] Hotels/Motels*

Amy Cherry Taylor and Association Joy Hodges 744 A Warrenton Road Fredericksburg, VA 22406 Phone: (540) 632-2824 amycherrytaylor.com [email protected] Real Estate*

Field Marshal Management, LLC Rich Brown 754 Warrenton Rd., Ste. 113 Fredericksburg, VA 22406 Phone: (571) 494-8069 fieldmarshal.management Business Consultants Management/Development*

Sushi King David Chiang 1811 Carl D Silver Pkwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 548-9040 sushikingusa.com [email protected] Restaurants*

Care Advantage Inc JonWayne Lindsey 10653 Spotsylvania Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Phone: (703) 436-4767 careadvantageinc.com [email protected] HealthCare, Home Health Care*

Philly Pretzel Factory Mike Hesington 1911 Plank Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 899-6125 phillypretzelfactory.com phillypretzelfredericksburg@ gmail.com Restaurants*

Helpmate.io Geri Davis 2608 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Phone: (540) 220-0757 [email protected] Web-Based Media*

Braehead Manor Mary Windsor Cline 123 Lee Drive Fredericksburg, VA 22405 Phone: (540) 361-2629 braeheadmanor.com [email protected] Bed & Breakfast/Inns*

Ameri-X-Guard Inc. George Andrews P.O. Box 639 Spotsylvania, VA 22553-0639 Phone: (540) 710-7600 Toll Free: (844) 752-8282 amerixguard.com [email protected] Cybersecurity & Systems Engineering*

Eileen’s Bakery & Cafe Trista Couser 1115 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 372-4030 eileensbakeryandcafe.com [email protected] Bakeries*

Chalk N More Mary Hefner 1674 Carl D. Silver Pkwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 642-0304 chalknmore.com [email protected] Specialty Shops/General Merchandise*

Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers Brenda Clements P.O. Box 647 Madison, VA 22727 Phone: (540) 543-2307 Human Services*

ICF Homes, LLC David Phelps 4610 Heartland Way Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Phone: (540) 809-8009 ICFHomesofVA.com [email protected] New Home Builder*

Gourmeltz Matthew Strickland 11304 Lenoir Ct. Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Phone: (540) 300-7001 gourmeltz.com [email protected] Food Specialties/Services, Caterers*

Lucky Road Run Shop Jeff Van Horn 1277 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 809-5933 luckyfoot.com [email protected] Retail Stores*

Deliveries Done Right LLC Jayson Silvera 10725 Gideon Ct. Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Phone: (540) 548-7060 ddrcourier.com [email protected] Couriers*

Remarkable Sailings Patricia Ferrari 11706 Spyglass Road Fredericksburg, Virginia 22407 Phone: (540) 736-8075 remarkablesailings.com [email protected] Travel Agencies*

UPS Store - Courthouse Road/ Bald Eagle, Inc Gregory Hall Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Enhancing Life Senior Day Center Eric Ward 3215 Lancaster Ring Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Phone: (540) 710-3397 enhancinglifesdc.com [email protected] Senior Services*

Smith Contract Cort Smith 49 Sanford Ferry Ct. Fredericksburg, VA 22406 Phone: (703) 928-2339 smithcontract.com [email protected]

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.

* indicates primary category

NOT EVERYONE LOOKS THIS GOOD AT 29!At Stafford Printing, we’re proud to admit our age — 29!We’ve made it this far because of our employees and support from customers.

THANK YOU on behalf of the Stafford Printing team

- Howard

Print, Design, Personalization, Mail, Grand Format, Web Portal

29 YEARS. . . AND ON TO 30!

StaffordPrinting.com • 540.659.4554


Fredericksburg Fences expands to new locationFredericksburg Fences has moved to a larger location at 4617 Mine Road in Spotsylvania County. The lease is for 5,000- square-foot building that includes office space, warehouse, and an exterior materials yard.

Patient First Now Accepting All Anthem PatientsPatient First announces our Virginia medical centers are again able to accept Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. These plans include HealthKeepers, KeyCare, Medicare Advantage and others, as well as out-of-state BlueCross BlueShield plans. Also, Patient First welcomes back and is accepting Medicaid patients insured under Anthem HealthKeepers Plus.

Port Royal Hornes Restaurant soldAdvantage Business Advisors, Inc. (ABA) announced they acted as the exclusive mergers and acquisitions advisor in the sale of T.J. Morse, Inc. trading as Hornes Restaurant and Gift Shop, located in Port Royal, Virginia to JLK Enterprise, LLC.

The owners purchased the business 25 years ago, and are now retiring. Advantage Business Advisors, Inc. represented the sellers. The business will continue operate as a restaurant and gift shop. The employees will be retained. Price and terms were not disclosed.

New movie theater coming to Stafford County Regal Entertainment Group plans to open a 12-screen movie theater next year in The Garrison at Stafford, formerly known as Stafford Village.

The 50,539-square-foot theater will have a lounge, recliner seating and the ability to show traditional and 3D films on every scree

Coldwell Banker Commercial Elite Brokers sale of multi-family site for $3.264MColdwell Banker Commercial Elite recently closed on the sale of a 6.27 Acre multifamily community site in Spotsylvania County for $3.264M. The property is located at the corner of Route 17 & Route 2/Tidewater Trail and part of Tricord’s 188 acre “New Post on the Rappahannock” mixed

use development. The purchaser, Humanities Foundation, is planning a 102-unit apartment community. With construction starting this fall.

Virginia Partners to open branch in SpotsylvaniaThe newest location of Virginia Partners Bank will open in July.

The bank announced the branch, which will be its first in the region outside of the City of Fredericksburg, in October. The Spotsylvania County location will open in the former Union Bank & Trust at 4201 Plank Rd.

President and CEO Lloyd Harrison said the location would be the bank’s first west of Interstate 95 and “opens up a lot of geography for us.”

As part of the opening, the bank will close its Westwood Office Park branch at 2101 Plank Rd. to the public. It will remain an office for the bank but will not offer walk-in services.

He said employees and equipment there will transfer to the new Spotsylvania bank.

SourceAmerica honors Trenton Williams with annual award SourceAmerica®, a national nonprofit and leading source of employment opportunities for nearly 125,000 people with significant disabilities, today awarded Rappahannock Goodwill (RGI) employee Trenton Williams with the AbilityOne William M. Usdane Regional Award.

The East Region award recognizes those with significant disabilities who are trained and employed through a national network of over 500 community-based nonprofit agencies and has exhibited outstanding achievement and exceptional character. Williams is employed by Rappahannock Goodwill in janitorial/custodial at Asymmetric Warfare Group, Fort A.P. Hill.

Trenton is legally blind and was told at a young age that he would lose his sight. His disability made working difficult but his life changed dramatically when Trenton came to RGI approximately three years ago.

Trenton was awarded in 2014 for the RGI “Employee of the Year.”

Liberty Pawn & Gold expandsLiberty Pawn & Gold has acquired a fourth store. Owners Dave and Tammy Munsee took over ownership of Cash Palace, the longtime pawn shop at 511 Jefferson Davis Highway in the Fredericksburg Shopping Center, for an undisclosed amount.

Trenton Williams


REC earns distinguished Tree Line USA recognitionFor the fourteenth consecutive year, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) has been named a Tree Line USA utility by The National Arbor Day Foundation. This national recognition of excellence has only been earned by approximately 4% of electric utilities, and only three in Virginia.

“We are honored to be named a Tree Line USA utility again this year. REC continues to share the goals of Tree Line USA – achieving healthy forests and reliable electric service through proper planting and pruning,” said Keith Forry, REC’s director

of vegetation management services.

In 2015, REC cleared over 1,500 miles of right of way. REC’s vegetation management program adheres to a five-year tree trimming cycle and its arborists and tree-trimming contractors trim tree branches away from electric lines to ensure a safe, reliable and consistent power supply.

Top Photo: REC foresters, Dave Dascenzo and Jacoby Lipscomb coordinated the planting of several trees at Lewis & Clark Elementary School in Caroline County

Bottom Photo: REC employees planting a pollinator garden in front of the Bowling Green office.

REC Communications Specialist receives national recognitionCasey Hollins, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative’s (REC) communications specialist, received national recognition from her peers at the Cooperative Communicators Association (CCA) at the CCA Institute in Omaha, Neb.

Hollins received the 2016 Michael Graznak Award, which recognizes CCA members under the age of 35 who have outstanding communications skills and show promise of a bright future.

“She exhibits an extraordinary ability to understand the viewpoint of the REC member, with potential questions and needs they may have,” said nominator Rhonda Curtis, former manager of public relations and communication for REC.

Hollins coordinates the annual communications plan, which includes communications efforts for special projects and campaigns. She’s involved in the membership magazine, Cooperative Living; the employee newsletter, PowerLines; the annual report; social media; print advertising; website; photography; and videography.

Union Bank acquires investment advisory firmUnion Bank & Trust, the subsidiary bank of Richmond-based Union Bankshares Corp., has completed its acquisition of Old Dominion Capital Management Inc., a Charlottesville-based registered investment advisory firm with nearly $300 million in assets under management.

Union opens loan production office in Charlotte, N.C.Richmond-based Union Bankshares Corp. announced Friday it has opened a loan production office in Charlotte, N.C.

The office will operate as UBTNC Commercial Finance, a division of Union Bank & Trust of Virginia.

Huber Motor Names Two LeadersHuber Motor Cars announced the addition of two automotive veterans to its leadership team.

Robert McDonald, who has 35 years of experience in the automotive business, was named general manager of Mercedes-Benz of Fredericksburg and Volvo Cars Fredericksburg. He spent the past two years overseeing six dealerships for the Roanoke-based Berglund Automotive Group.

Shawn Kloppman, who has 24 years of experience, joined Huber Motor Cars as general manager of Volkswagen of Fredericksburg and Mazda of Fredericksburg. He previously supervised those dealerships during the transition in ownership from Bill Britt to the Rosner Automotive Group. He served as general manager of Toyota of Stafford before joining Huber Motor Cars.

Pierpoint Construction honored with Big50 AwardTodd Pierpoint, owner of Pierpoint Construction, Inc. (PCI), was selected by REMODELING magazine to be included with REMODELING Big50. The 2016 Big50 winners were featured in the May issue of REMODELING, a national trade.

“We are honored to receive this recognition,” says Todd Pierpoint, President of PCI. “This award recognizes excellence and leadership, and we are privileged to be named to this select group of remodelers.”

®

Casey Holllins


REC Names New Manager of Administrative Services/ControllerRappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) has promoted Lawrence G. “Larry” Andrews to Manager of Administrative Services/Controller.

Prior to assuming his new position, Andrews was director of finance and accounting. In that role, he oversaw and monitored controls, policies, and procedures to maintain the financial integrity of REC.

He was previously a treasury and financial services specialist for REC for 10 years before becoming director in 2010.

Andrews received a bachelor’s degree in business management from Virginia Tech and earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Mary Washington.

He is an active member of Spotswood Baptist Church, serving as deacon, trustee, and Sunday school director. He also serves on the audit committee of Fredericksburg Christian Schools and is vice president for Spotswood Swim Club. Andrews is a member of the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club.

Andrews lives in Spotsylvania County with his wife, Kim. They have three grown children, Bryant, Jennifer, and Seth.

Rappahannock United Way Helps Individuals Save Money During 2016 Tax SeasonFor Spotsylvania resident John Powell, deciding where to get his taxes done this year was easy, although he had concerns about how the Affordable Care Act would impact him.

“It was a big relief off my mind,” said Powell, who came to one of Rappahannock United Way’s Free Tax Sites for the second year in a row and had his taxes prepared free of charge. “With the Marketplace involved, I didn’t know what my taxes would be. The volunteers make sure people’s taxes are filed correctly. These people know what they’re talking about. That’s a big plus in my book.”

Powell and more than 1,900 other people had their tax returns filed for free at Rappahannock United Way during the 2016 tax season.

USA Today Names Germanna a “Best Community College in Virginia”Germanna Community College was named in USA Today’s “The 10 best community colleges in Virginia” list, published June 18, 2016.

Germanna was recognized for its distance learning, nursing and other health care programs, and SkillUpVA, “a program designed to help students of all ages and backgrounds develop the necessary skills to advance through the ranks of their chosen career.”

SimVentions Named to Inc.’s Inaugural ‘50 Best Places to Work’ in 2016Inc. Magazine named SimVentions to its list of the 50 Best Places to Work in 2016. Inc. put it this way: “We hear it over and over again at Inc.: The biggest challenge that your business faces is finding and keeping the best people.

Inc. has produced a roster of the 50 Best Workplaces, companies with up to 500 employees.

Lawrence Andrews

In Sympathy:JAMES M. BOWENJames M. Bowen, 81, of Fredericksburg passed away Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at Mary Washington Hospital.

Mr. Bowen was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He graduated from Northeastern University in Boston. Mr. Bowen was owner and operator of the Best Western Motel in Fredericksburg and part owner of Bowen Drug with his partner David Roulley.

Survivors include his wife, Gladys Bowen of Fredericksburg; son James M. Bowen II of Spotsylvania; grandsons Alexander G. Bowen and Stephen Schultz; brother Richard Bowen of Scranton, PA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Karan Bowen.

Funeral service was held at St. Mary Catholic Church and interment at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society South Atlantic Division, 4240 Park Place Ct. Glen Allen, VA 23060-9904.


acres of land for permanent conservation purposes. “If the battle is worth fighting,” she says, “then focus on something beyond yourself – a principle, value or ideal that is more important than your own feelings. Holding on to that greater construct will help you transcend yourself, your own ego, your own sense of injustice and stay the course.” In January, the company will reach a milestone and transform from a small federal contracting business to a large business. This transformation will introduce Marstel Day to a whole new realm of competition, changing their ballgame to a rugby match—one in which they are ready to battle.

When asked about the challenges of being a female leader in a male-dominated field, Rebecca jokingly responds, “don’t be surprised when you receive letters that

begin with the words ‘Dear Gentlemen.’” Rebecca’s biggest challenge deals not as much with her being a woman leader, but more with her creating her business and also leading it. “While many people are in leadership positions within organizations owned and operated by someone else,” Rebecca explains, “relatively few people will ever know what it’s like to found, own and manage a company from absolute scratch, and then grow and manage it continuously over many years while assuming most or all of the liability and responsibility along the way. In that sense you are always somewhat alone on the journey – by definition, and by choice, no one can really be in there with you. As a consequence, people around you will look at your firm and see only the wave-tops – the big wins, the big losses. They will be

quick to judge based on their perceptions. But the truth is, running a business is not really about the peaks and valleys – those are to be expected; in some ways, they are almost too obvious. The harder stuff is about moving forward on the less-obvious angles and making something real and ‘whole cloth’ from the less thrilling, more fragmented day- to-day journey.”

Rebecca Rubin, wife, mom, founder, CEO, and president, proves that being a woman in the workforce is not hard. The hard part is remembering your freedom of choice. “Starting a company of my own,” she says, “had less to do with a desire to succeed in business – that was a necessity, not an ambition – and more to do with being free to chart a course, for better or worse.”

a strong team and insert yourself when expectations are not met 5) Be vulnerable and show your team that you are real and that you all are in it together. A cohesive team needs to know they can count on you. 6) CELEBRATE and recognize the contributions of your team – even in the bad times. That is when it is the hardest and the support is needed the most.

Roberta is a humble business leader who believes business knowledge needs to be balanced by compassion. She is also constantly reminded that perseverance is the foundation of success. As a woman in a medical and business world full of men, Roberta says that for women leaders, “it is not about being feminine or demure, or sweet nice and quiet. Success comes from knowing what you are talking about and adding value to your organization through results. No matter your gender, you will be promotable and grow in your career if you know the details of your business and its operations.”

If Roberta wrote a book, she says it would be entitled, Millennials in Leadership. “As a millennial myself,” she explains, “there is much to learn and share from my generation. I am excited and blessed to be in my role, and I want to give voice to our up-and-coming leaders across the business spectrum.” When asked what motivates Roberta each day to get out of bed in the morning and go to work, she replies, “knowing that what I do matters to my organization and that my cumulative efforts improve the health and care of patients.”

Roberta Tinch is the mirror image of a remarkable leader. Her last piece of advice to the readers is the following, “Leadership is a calling and a privilege. Do not take it lightly. You are responsible for the people who work for the organization and you should know who they are on a personal level. Every day, we have the opportunity to do amazing things!”

If Linda were to write a book, it would be entitled Real Relationships. “Life is too short for empty casual ‘acquaintances,’” she says. “To really know someone you need to spend time together, preferably in person. I realize most people today communicate online, but I’d much rather sit face to face over a cup of coffee (or better still wine) and have authentic conversation. I want to see and

feel reactions, and avoid misunderstandings. I realize Facebook has advantages when it comes to sharing information with loved ones far away, or for mass communication, but if you really want to know me, it won’t be through Facebook. Let’s share time - and wine. I’ve known my best friend since we were eighteen, and even though we live over 500 miles apart, we schedule time together

and are just as close today.”Linda has advice for women who

want hold a leadership role in the future. “Strive to portray confidence, even if you’re not feeling it, especially in a room full of men. Always say please and thank you. Remember, you lead the charge but there are many who follow or walk along beside you in your attainment of goals.”

Linda Rivera continued from page 16

Roberta Tinch continued from page 17

Rebecca Rubin continued from page 16

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July 7th

First Thursday with SBA – 8(a) Application Workshop: Join James Williams, Lead Economic Development Specialist with the SBA to discuss “Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program.”

July 11th, July 18th, August 8th First Steps to Starting a Business: This workshop is offered at multiple times throughout the summer in order to provide you with the greatest opportunity to learn about the basics of self evaluation, ideas, defining needs, determining feasibility, and deciding what actions are necessary in the beginning of your business development process.

July 12th

Introduction to Purchasing in the Commonwealth: Join presenter Kimberly Madison as she explains the Commonwealth’s purchasing process, the effect that purchasing policies have on the eVA system, and how to use eVA tools.

July 26th

Basic Training: Small Business Guide to Federal Contracts: At this training with PTAP Director Anna Urman, participants will learn the essentials of starting a growing a government contracting business, as well as how to develop strategies for business development with government agencies and prime contractors.

August 2nd

Human Resource Law: Learn the ins and outs of HR Law in the world of small business.

August 8th

QuickBooks: Come to this workshop in order to the things you need to know to perform typical bookkeeping tasks. Topics include: how to move around in QuickBooks, customer center, vendor center, banking, and reports.

August 10th Blue Print Business Plan: Join the experts at UMWSBDC as they explore the narrative process and financial forecast involved in a business plan.

August 23rd

Proposal Writing 101: This workshop is designed for any experience level and to expand the participant’s ability to develop and write federal proposal content that is compliant and compelling. The objective of the workshop is to help participants understand how to achieve the maximum proposal evaluation points.

July 26th

Introduction to Individual & Small Business Taxation: The instructor will use examples from the business world to discuss basic accounting principles and concepts, such as the general ledger, debits, credits, assets, liabilities, expenses, revenues and equity. Students will learn how to set up accounts, record transactions, and read financial reports.

July 27th

Marketing your Business with Digital Tools: In this two-hour class, you will learn how digital users on the Web interact with individual businesses and how Web marketing can drive people to your business. Learn how to list yourself on popular web search directories, and how to optimize your site for search engine visibility.

July 28th, August 11th, September 23rd

Business and Presentation Writing: This class is offered at multiple times in order to give you the opportunity

to explore the differences between professional and personal writing, and learn the essentials of writing memos, letters, reports, emails, and texts in the business world.

August 12th, September 8th Staking your Claim on the Web: In this two-hour class, you will learn how to choose and register a domain name for your online business and how to point that domain name at an actual Web site. You will also learn about the various options for Web hosting and how to establish a branded email for your business.

August 30th, September 12th

Selling on the Web: In this two-hour course, discover how to create an online store and sell physical goods online. Students will learn the different options available for e-commerce; learn how to create a merchant account with a bank, inventory management and how to manage shipping costs and fulfilling others.

September 7th-September 28th

Series: Visual Design for Startups: This four-class series is designed for businesses, organizations, startups, entrepreneurs, and anyone else who wants to understand the importance of visual design when it comes to identifying your brand and marketing it. Learn how to best leverage your brand and attract the right customers.

September 8th

Facebook for Business: In this class you will learn how to customize your Facebook for business. You will learn how to build your valuable readership, sell your “likeability”, leverage your business and engage readers.

September 14th

Non-Profit Grant Proposal Writing: Participants will learn the basics of grant writing, including a needs assessment, identifying potential funding sources, creating goals, and targeting proposals to grant makers appropriate to the field and project.

Upcoming classes and seminarsUMW Small Business Development CenterTo register for these seminars: call 540-654-1383 or online www.economicdevelopment.umw.edu/

Germanna Center for Workforce and Community Education For more information call 540-891-3012


July 2016 12 - Special Dialogue with Lt. Governor Ralph

Northam, 8:30am, Fick Conference Center

13 - Chamber Goodwill Awards, 3:00pm, Hyatt Place

14 - Business After Hours, 5:30pm, American Red Cross, Stafford Regional Airport

15 - Ribbon Cutting, 4:00pm, Lucky Road Run Shop, 1277 Jefferson Davis Highway

16 - Next Gen River Day, 10:00am, 362 Riverside Dr.

18 - Ribbon Cutting, 4:00pm, Philly Pretzel Factory of Fredericksburg, 1911 Plank Road

19 - MAC Roundtable, 8:00am, Senate Armed Services Committee, 1300 Courthouse Rd., Speaker Cord Sterling

19 - CNEW Luncheon, 11:30am, Fredericksburg Country Club

20 - Transportation Report, 3:30pm, LifeCare Medical Transports, 1180 International Pkwy

21 - Active Shooter Seminar, 8:00am, SimVentions, Inc, Speaker Dave Corderman & Nick Nicholson

21 - Expect the Unexpected, Smarter Business Seminar, 12:30 - 4 p.m., Rapp. EMS Council, 435 Hunter St., Fredericksburg

26 - Chamber Roundtable (Fredericksburg), 8:00am, Courtyard Marriott Fredericksburg, Speaker Dr. Paino

August 2016 2 - Chamber Roundtable (Spotsylvania), 8:00am,

location TBD

3 - Next Gen Mid-week Motivation, 12:00pm, Renato’s

11 - Business Leadership Roundtable, 8:00am, Hyatt Place, Speakers Mike Fidgeon & Ken Tyler

16 - CNEW Luncheon,11:30am, Fredericksburg Country Club

18 - Business After Hours, 5:30pm, Kaufman and Canoles, Adventure Brewing South 3300 Dill Smith Dr.

19 - Leading Through the Region, 8:00am, LifeCare Medical Transports, 1180 International Pkwy

September 2016 6 - Chamber Roundtable (Stafford), 8:00am,

location TBD

8 - Business After Hours, 5:30pm, Scott Insurance and Financial Services, 2115 Lafayette Boulevard

16 - Leadership Fredericksburg Kickoff, 5:00pm

20 - CNEW Luncheon, 11:30am, Fredericksburg Country Club

22 - Business After Hours, 5:30pm, Fredericksburg Academy, 10800 Academy Drive

26 - Midweek Motivation with Congressman Wittman, 12:00pm, TBD

27 - Made in FredVA, Inn at Old Silk Mill

View Chamber Calendar of Events online: www.fredericksburgchamber.org

> Preparing for Workplace Disasters & Threats> How to develop a plan for the Safety of Your Employees> From Chaos to Life-Saving Solutions

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Fredericksburg RegionalChamber of Commerce

Register Online for these events at: fredericksburgchamber.org/events or call 540-373-9400. For more info: Call Sara Branner @ 540-373-9358; E-mail: [email protected]

July 21, 2016 • 12:30 – 4:00 p.m.Rappahannock Emergency Medical Services Council Training Room$50/pp, includes lunch

EXPECTING THE UNEXPECTEDPreparing for Workplace Disasters & Threats

July 21, 2016 • 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.@SimVentions Conference Room$50/pp includes breakfast

IS YOUR WORKPLACE PREPARED FOR AN ACTIVE SHOOTER?Learn How to React in a Hostile situation

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Fredericksburg Regional Business Magazine