Fredericksburg Reg. Bus. - Dec. 2014

FREDERICKSBURG
REGIONAL BUSINESS
THE REGION’S PREMIER BUSINESS PUBLICATION Volume 1 Issue 1
T«Tray Number» «Sort Position»
Virginia Economic Outlook 2015
December 2014
Legislative Update 10
Military Briefing 16
Transportation 17
Friday, January 30, 2015
6:00 pm
Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center
– INAUGURAL ISSUE –

DECEMBER 2014Fredericksburg Regional Business2
Dear «First»,
Traditionally, businesses use the end of the year to finish
ongoing projects, tidy things up and plan for the coming year.
But this year the Chamber is taking a different course. Even as
the clock ticks down on 2014, we’re launching a new project.
You’re looking at it. Welcome to the first issue of Fredericksburg
Regional Business, the Chamber’s new bi-monthly magazine.
We’re proud to work with Howard Owen and his team
at Stafford Printing to produce this new publication that
will continue to highlight Chamber programs, events, and
members. We will also keep you up-to-date on regional and
statewide economic trends.
You can help us in this process by pitching story ideas and even
writing a cover story sidebar or general business feature. To
find out more, I encourage you to contact our Communications
Director, George Whitehurst, at george@fredericksburgchamber.org.
Initially, Fredericksburg Regional Business will include a mix of news about the Chamber and
its members and a calendar of upcoming Chamber events. It will provide regular updates
on policy issues affecting business sectors crucial to the strength of our economy, such as
transportation, healthcare, and national defense.
We will experiment to find the most informative and appealing format for you, our readers. As
we begin this new journey together, the Chamber welcomes your feedback. I can be reached
at susan@fredericksburgchamber.org.
Let me close by thanking you, our loyal members, for another fantastic year. The Chamber
would not exist without your membership investment and your willingness to help us coordinate
the many programs and events we run.
As we roll through the final month of 2014, we at the Chamber wish all of you a very happy
Holiday Season. May the year end on a high note for all of you, and may you come back in
2015 rested and ready to help our region continue to grow and prosper.
From the Desk of the President
Welcome to Fredericksburg Regional Business!
Susan Spears is president and
CEO of the Fredericksburg
Regional Chamber of
Commerce.
INSIDE
4 Feature: Virginia
Economic Outlook
9 Conversation
10 Legislative Update
12 Spotlight
16 Military Briefing
17 On the Move
18 Members
20 Made in FredVA
23 Calendar
FREDERICKSBURG
REGIONAL CHAMBER
2300 Fall Hill Ave., Suite 240
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
(540) 373-9400 Fax: (540) 373-9570
www.fredericksburgchamber.org
For advertising opportunities in Fredericksburg
Regional Business, contact Howard Owen at
Stafford Printing, (540) 659-4554 or
howen@staffordprinting.com.
MISSION
The mission of the Fredericksburg Regional
Chamber of Commerce is to build relationships
and create competitive advantages for a healthy
business environment.
OFFICERS
Michael Fidgeon, Chair
Providence Service Corporation
Greg Calvert, Vice Chair
Kloke Mayflower
Kathryn “Kathy” Wall,
Immediate Past Chair
Mary Washington Healthcare
Shawn Sloan, Treasurer
The Media Partners, LLC
Susan Spears, President CEO
Fredericksburg Regional Chamber
of Commerce

DECEMBER 2014 Fredericksburg Regional Business 3
By Michael Fidgeon
“Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” –
William Penn
As we come to the end of 2014, it seems appropriate to
borrow a quote from Mr. Penn, philosopher, scholar and
founder of the great state of Pennsylvania.
His words serve as both a warning and an inspiration to us all.
I hope that you will not look back on this year with regret over
wasted time and missed opportunities.
Similarly, I encourage you to take Mr. Penn’s words to heart as
we enter 2015. Now is the time to renew your commitment
to taking full advantage of every moment.
Set your goals for 2015. Make it the year that your passion
and purpose is fully manifested in your work.
We don’t know, of course, everything the future holds in store
for us. There are factors – economic, political and social – that
lie far beyond our control.
However, we should not let uncertainty rob us of seizing the
moment, the day, and our future!
As I write this, my final column for 2014, I would like to
thank all of our Chamber members for making 2014 a truly
outstanding year for the Fredericksburg regional business
community and your Chamber of Commerce.
The sponsorship of our
members, the tireless
efforts of many volunteers,
and strong relationships
that provide all of us with
numerous competitive
advantages have generally
kept things running on an
even keel throughout the
year. Thank you for your time and talents, which are helping
move our economy forward.
I would also like to thank the Chamber staff for their hard work
and commitment to excellence. Their continual dedication
to the Chamber’s mission helps assure each of us that the
Fredericksburg Region will remain a major economic center in
the commonwealth for years to come.
Finally, I would like to thank all of you for allowing me the
honor of serving this year as chairman of the Chamber’s board.
My fellow board members have done an outstanding job of
setting a vision both for this organization and our regional
business community.
May all of you enjoy the happiest of Holiday Seasons, and may
all of us realize our fullest potential for 2015.
Chairman’s Update
Year’s end offers chance for
reflection, planning for 2015
Michael Fidgeon is COO of
Providence Service Corporation.
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2015 Virginia economic outlook holds
challenges, opportunities
Evan Cantwell – George Mason University
By George Whitehurst
The late author and columnist Jim Bishop famously called
the future “an opaque mirror,” warning that anyone who
gazes into it “sees nothing but the dim outlines of an old and
worried face.”
That metaphor applies to Virginia’s economy as the New Year
approaches.
ThefloodoffederalspendingthatpropelledtheOldDominion’s
economic performance above that national average for the
past two decades has receded sharply. As a result, Virginia’s
growth slowed to a crawl in 2014.
Whether the recent change in control of the U.S. Senate will
end the federal budget sequester – and the deep defense cuts
that are dampening Virginia’s economy – remains unknown.
Still, analysts suggest that barring a sudden jump in defense
spending, Virginia’s economy will grow at a glacial pace in 2015.
Ann Battle Macheras, vice president with the Federal Reserve
Bank of Richmond, described the state as experiencing a period
of transition – painful in the short term but with good long-
term prospects.
“It’ been kind of flat, struggling, facing stronger headwinds than
the nation,” she said in a recent interview. “That’s very much out
of character. I’m optimistic longer term, because we have such a
good workforce, particularly when you’re looking at the Northern
Virginia region. But that transition may take some time.”
Employment picture mixed
Until new opportunities arise, cutbacks by government and
defense contractors likely will cause swings in Virginia’s
unemployment rate. It rose to 5.5 percent in September and
dipped to 5.3 percent in October, according to the Bureau of
Labor Statistics.
“When you have such low job growth, people become
unemployed and then can’t find something else,” Dr.
Macheras said. “It’s not surprising that we have that uptick in
the unemployment rate.”
Economist Stephen Fuller,
Ph.D., director of George
Mason University’s Center for
Regional Analysis, goes so
far as to describe Virginia’s
job growth as “dead in the
water,” noting that the
commonwealth hasn’t replaced
69,000 manufacturing and
75,000 construction jobs that
vanished during the crash of
2008-09 and the resulting
Great Recession.
“When you see that many
jobs disappear, it suggests
that those businesses are gone or that those jobs have been
replaced by technology,” he said. “We know that’s happened
in a lot of industries. Those jobs were very valuable, and it’s
hard to replace them.”
But the biggest dark spot on Virginia’s employment picture
is the sharp defense cuts enacted under the federal budget
sequester of 2011.
Virginia – and specifically Northern Virginia, which includes
the Fredericksburg Region – is historically the top recipient
of defense spending in the United States. Unless Congress
Stephen Fuller, Ph.D.
Feature

Continued to page 6
and President Obama agree to reverse the sequester, Virginia’s
economy will continue to underperform in 2015.
“[The economy] is struggling to adjust to the significant
reductions in federal spending that have accumulated over
the last three years,” Mr. Fuller said. “It’s something that has
been happening for quite a long time, and as a consequence,
the solution to it is going to play out in slow motion. It’s not
going to be an easy fix.”
Surprisingly, the Fredericksburg Region saw its employment
rate grow at 1.2 percent in the first quarter of 2014 over the
first quarter of 2013.
“I would say they can take some optimism out of that,”
Dr. Macheras said. “[Sequestration] didn’t seem to have as
big of an impact in the Fredericksburg Region. It seems the
employment numbers were somewhat better. That’s not
growth quite as good as the U.S., but I’d take that over what
the state has been seeing.”
Fredericksburg Region shows resilience
Despite Virginia’s mixed economic performance, some
Fredericksburg-area businesses experienced healthy growth
this past year.
Greg Calvert, vice president with Kloke Mayflower, was pleased
at the company’s 2014 performance after a slow first quarter.
“It picked up very nicely
through the summer
months and this peak
season was busier than
the last three years,”
he said.
Mr. Calvert foresees a
similar pattern in 2015.
Interestingly, the ongoing military downsizing may help Kloke
in the short term, as the company provides moving services to
a lot of military service members.
“I think our Department of Defense household goods
relocations will be very strong, as the DoD continues to
downsize,” he said. “[A]s people are retiring, they’re getting
their one last move for retirement. I don’t think [downsizing]
is affecting us yet as much as it will in three-to-four years.”
David Pierce, branch manager for the Fredericksburg office of
Davenport and Co., characterized overall economic performance
as “pretty rocky” for 2014, though the record highs achieved
by the stock market meant a good year for the financial services
industry. Gone, for now at least, is the skittishness brought on
by the market crash and subsequent Great Recession.
“The individual investor and saver has a very short memory, so
the pain of 2008-09 has faded,” Mr. Pierce said “In our sector,
we’ve had very good growth this year as a firm, especially
here in Fredericksburg.”
Soft housing market likely for 2015
Dr. Macheras described Virginia’s 2014 housing market as
“pretty flat,” noting a Virginia Association of Realtors report
that pegged existing home sales as down 5 percent in October
from the same period in 2013.
Adam Fried, CEO of Fredericksburg-based Atlantic Builders,
Ltd., concurred.
“My take is that sales for both new and resale homes weakened
noticeably as we entered the second and third quarters of
2014,” he said. “Existing home sales and new home sales
were steadier at prices below $300,000. There were more
communities and public
builders competing for
fewer new home sales.
Sales of new homes,
especially above
$500,000, were hit
hard by the sequester
and cuts in defense
spending.”
Ann Black, founder and owner of 1st
Choice Better Homes and
Land, likened working in the residential real estate market to
riding a teeter totter but said 2014 was a good year for her team.
“We’re out of the down part and kind of level and not in the
downswing. The supply and demand is back in balance,” she
said. “It’s been a great year for us. We’re 6 percent ahead of
our entire goal for the year. It’s been an excellent year.”
High demand for townhouses underscored that though the
Fredericksburg Region’s housing market has climbed from the
slough of the Great Recession, homebuyers remain cautious.
“Price is still king,” Ms. Black said. “That’s the reason the
townhouses are being built. Most of the time they’re going to
be cheaper than a single-family home.”
Regional automotive, home care sectors
show strength
Clay Huber, president of the Rosner Automotive Group
expressed satisfaction with the “solid year” his company
experienced in 2014.
“We’re on a steady rise, and we expect next year to be a
better year,” he said. “I think that the attitude of customers
is slowly getting better. I think overall the economy is coming
out of its slump. The stock market is doing much better, and I
think the low price of gasoline is helping.”
Mr. Huber predicted good performance for Rosner and
other automotive dealers in 2015, though he cautioned that
political uncertainty and business expenses stemming from
the Affordable Care Act
have the potential to
undermine economic
expansion.
Karl Karch, owner of
Home Instead Senior
Care, cited government
regulation as another
hindrance.
“It’s becoming increasingly difficult for small businesses in
light of all of the regulation,” he said. “It’s a challenge and an
opportunity. If you can manage the challenge, you will have
the opportunity to succeed.”
Mr. Karch described 2014 as a good year and noted that
America’s aging population ensures strong demand for Home
Instead’s services.
Feature

Continued from page 5
Continued to page 8
“Our industry – non-medical in-home care – is not recession
proof, but it is somewhat recession resistant,” he said. “We
don’t have some of the same economic impacts as other
industries. The need is there. People are getting older, they’re
living longer; they want to stay at home. They need help, so
our business actually grew in 2014, both in Fredericksburg
and in Culpeper.”
Defense spending key factor for future
The chief uncertainty facing the Fredericksburg Region’s
economy in 2015 is the status of America’s military budgets.
If the federal spending sequester continues unchecked, all of
Northern Virginia will struggle.
Congressman Rob Wittman decried the federal sequester in
recent remarks to the Chamber’s Military Affairs Council.
He did offer one bit of good news – Congress appears in no
mood for another round of Base Realignment And Closure.
Still, military spending is unlikely to increase in the near future,
according to Rear Adm. Markham K. Rich, USN, Commandant,
Naval District Washington – meaning area bases will have to
do more with less.
Despite these constraints, SimVentions CEO Larry Root
described 2014 as a positive year for his company.
“We are probably going to see growth in the high 30s to low
40 percent, and I think we’re going to close the year having
hired about 50 employees,” he said.
He predicted that the U.S. Navy’s growing need for electronic
warfare and cybersecurity services will fuel healthy growth for
SimVentions and spur the company to hire more employees.
Professor Fuller is urging Northern Virginia government
contractors to move beyond reliance on the Pentagon.
“This entire region has allowed itself to underappreciate its
access to global markets due to its proximity to the national
capital,” he said. “There are 180 foreign consulates in
Washington, D.C. You want to do business with Turkey? You
don’t have to go to Turkey. You can go to Washington, D.C.
Opening our eyes and finding new clients is the answer – not
just local clients but global clients. It means getting out of
your sheltered environment.”
2015 fundamentals: Consumer spending, courage
So what can entrepreneurs, business owners and managers
expect in 2015? Much will depend on consumer spending.
Dr. Macheras voiced optimism on this front. “Consumers have
to still be somewhat cautious, so I think the biggest challenge
for business is trying to determine if consumer spending is
going to pick up more,” she said. “There are some positives.
Energy prices have been going down, and that seems to have
some persistence to it. That’s good for manufacturers, and
that’s a plus for Virginia.”
The courage to create and execute a solid business plan is the
other factor that will determine successes and failures in 2015.
“We have become a community of worriers that worries a
lot about things we can’t control,” Professor Fuller said. “It
affects business behavior. It means people aren’t as risk-taking
as they used to be or as entrepreneurial. Businesses need to be
strategic and look for new market niches and opportunities.
The whole economy needs to break out of its business-as-
usual mentality. It means working harder to find what the
trends are in the markets and serving the leading edge of the
markets more aggressively.”
By Linda Rivera
Like so many other industries, the role of a traditional full-
service moving company is changing. Profit margins remain
low, typically around 4 percent, but that doesn’t take away
from the significance of this life event for our customers.
To ensure our clients receive the highest level of service
and quality, Hilldrup regularly monitors issues affecting our
industry in order to stay ahead of challenges.
Looking into 2015, here are some of the challenges likely to
affect the relocation industry:
• Driver shortage – The number of van operators is
dwindling. Not just in our industry, but everywhere.
Increased regulations and associated costs, with no
increase in pay, are driving more van operators out of the
business. With narrow margins and customers resistant
to pay more to offset these costs, it makes recruiting a
challenge. From a personal side, van operators are, on
average, away from home about 42 of 52 weeks – not an
easy job. To offset this shortage, we are looking at new
technologies that increase our operating efficiency and
new driver recruitment
solutions to help ensure
our customers won’t
see a delay in shipment
delivery.
• Container shipping -
One potential solution
to the previous problem
is how our customers’
belongings get to their
new home, and that’s
using containers. While
shipping containers
aren’t a new technology, they haven’t been widely seen
in the domestic moving industry. Containers allow for
more capacity to service customers during peak season
because containers can be shipped using alternate modes
of transportation, which helps diminish the impact of
the driver shortage. An additional benefit of container
shipping for customers is that it allows them to choose a
Innovation pivotal to moving industry in 2015
Feature

By Alexander Mabin
Likemanybusinessesintheregion,Agency
MABU was not born in Fredericksburg.
Instead, our roots originate in Bismarck,
ND. While the contrasts between Virginia
and North Dakota are numerous, they
share the distinction of being two of the
best states in the country for business.
Despite strong economic headwinds,
Agency MABU has succeeded, and the
Fredericksburg Region is a prime factor. In
2011, MABU began expanding its client
base throughout the federal government
and decided to open an office near D.C.
We wanted to find an economically
vibrant community close enough to D.C.
for meetings but that retained its own
identity. Fredericksburg exceeded all
these criteria.
Today, MABU operates in downtown
Fredericksburg and serves federal clients
such as the U.S. Army, U.S. Dept. of
Justice and U.S. Treasury Dept. along with
local mainstays like Mary Washington
Hospital, Potomac Point Winery and the
Fredericksburg Country Club.
Biggest challenge of 2015
Moving forward, our largest challenge
will be continuing to grow in the face
of an uncertain economic climate,
particularly in the federal government.
Last year MABU graduated from the 8(a)
program, a special designation given
to minority-owned small businesses in
the U.S. While we utilized the program
successfully by winning 8(a) contracts
to garner quality past performance, a
key selling point for our federal market
is now behind us. That said, purchasing
a building in downtown Fredericksburg
provides an ever greater opportunity
movingforward–HUBZonedesignation.
Biggest opportunity of 2015
In 2012, the entire city of Fredericksburg
became a HUBZone. This rare opportunity
allows businesses headquartered
within city limits to seek certification
and compete against a limited pool of
HUBZone-certified businesses across the
country for federal contracts.
While the criteria are fairly strict, MABU
plans to gain certification in 2015. We
believe this will provide us the ammunition
we need to continue to grow our federal
contracts, through prime contracting and
partnerships with other large firms, and
build our base of clients throughout the
Fredericksburg Region. We look forward
to the road ahead and we couldn’t be
happier to call Fredericksburg our home.
Alexander Mabin is executive vice
president of Agency MABU, a full-
service digital marketing and consulting
firm, located at 905 Barton St. in
Fredericksburg.
Location, HUBZone open doors for small business
By Monica Meinert
2014 was an exciting year for Community Bank of the
Chesapeake as it celebrated the opening of its first full-service
branch in Fredericksburg. With the help of Branch Manager
Linda Caporali and a skilled team of commercial lenders under
the direction of Senior Vice President Tony Farland, we brought
our strategy of relationship banking to this new market. As
2015 approaches, we see many opportunities and a few
challenges in store for the bank as we continue to grow.
The current regulatory environment presents a challenge not
only to Community Bank, but to the entire financial industry.
Increased costs and diminishing revenue sources take time,
money and resources away from places they otherwise could
be put to use. Looking ahead to 2015, we see the potential
for defense spending cuts to have a ripple effect throughout
the region, which could affect our customers. This is why
our personalized
approach to
banking is so
critical; we take
the time to know
our customers
and understand
their individual
situations, so that
we can provide
custom-tailored
solutions to whatever financial challenges they face.
Our biggest opportunity in the coming year is the chance to
continue our growth in the Fredericksburg market. We are
excited to bring our red sailboat to downtown Fredericksburg
Personal service essential for banking industry
Continued to page 8
Feature

By Billie Armstrong
Salon 730 is proud to be entering our
fifth year of offering a complete menu
of hair services for men and women in
the heart of Fredericksburg. We have
grown from a team of six on opening
day in 2010 to a talented team of 26
and pride ourselves on providing the
best possible experience for each guest.
Operating cost vs cost of services –
While operating costs such as utilities,
rent, etc. may increase one-to-two
times a year, our cost of goods can
and often increases three-to-four
times a year. We cannot pass that on
to the consumer at the same rate. We
would be out of business pretty quick
if we did. Knowing our numbers and
controlling waste are two things that
help us maintain that balance. It also
lets us know when we have to raise the
cost of services. Yes, the profit margin
can fluctuate, but by being on top of
your financials, having a business and
action plan you can still stay ahead.
We are in the heart of the Fredericksburg
community, with literally thousands
of potential new guests not just form
the “Burg” but also from the outlying
counties.
Taking an active interest in the
community and the Chamber is huge.
It allows us opportunities for exposure
and networking in areas and ways that
may not have been available without
being a member. When one grows
complacent with their business they are
soon forgotten. By staying involved with
the community and with the Chamber
our business is constantly exposed and
recognized.
Action plan for 2015
• Have a business/projection plan in
place at the beginning of the year
• Set goals
• Stay involved in the community
• Maintain excellent customer service
• Offer an exceptional experience
and product at a fair price
• Know your numbers
• Support your team with tools
they need to grow personally and
professionally
• Create a sense of ownership for the
team
• Don’t be afraid to step back and
make a change if something is not
working
Billie Armstrong is owner of Salon 730,
a local and independently owned hair
salon located at 730 Kenmore Ave.
Set business plan to succeed in 2015
and anticipate opening our second branch on William
Street before the end of next year. Fredericksburg is truly a
special community, and we feel fortunate to have had so
many opportunities to interact with community leaders,
organizations and individuals. We look forward to another
year of building relationships and giving back in 2015.
Action plan for 2015
Our people are our greatest asset. They are the key to
our success, working day in and day out to bring our
personalized style of banking to the communities we serve.
In Fredericksburg, we put together an all-star team of people
who all have deep personal ties to this area. The branch staff,
led by Linda Caporali; the Wealth Management experts, led
by Lamont Brown; and our Commercial Lenders Tony Farland,
David Belman, Ben Hall and Laura McKinnon, all understand
the needs and challenges facing customers in this area.
Monica Meinert is a marketing and communication specialist
with Community Bank of the Chesapeake.
Community Bank of the Chesapeake Continued from page 7 Hilldrup Moving Storage Continued from page 6
specific delivery day and affordable storage if necessary.
• Renewed focus on safety – The Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Association hours of service rules have been re-
evaluated with stricter regulations to maintain safer
highway systems. Very specific on/off duty regulations
assure against driver fatigue, and drivers are rated through
the D.O.T Carrier Safety Management System and
roadside inspections. We welcome this oversight, and
will work to be 100 percent compliant while mitigating
the effects such as longer delivery windows.
Hilldrup is rated number one in the United Van Lines system in
residential, government, corporate and international moving,
but we understand the need to branch out for success. As
we remain focused on the future of our organization, we
are diversifying our service offerings to include commercial
relocations, logistics services and full-service relocation
options.
Linda Rivera is Corporate Vice President, Quality/Customer
Relations, with Hilldrup Moving and Storage.
Feature

Conversation
GMU professor sees possibilities for 2015
David J. Miller serves as a professor of Innovation and
Entrepreneurship at the George Mason University School of
Business. Over the past decade he has helped found and
worked with a variety of start-up companies. In 2007, he
founded FamilyFantasySports.com, a website that provides
free games and other content for family members to share
with each other – both online and off-line.
Mr. Miller also founded the Creative Class Group, which
provides a wide array of strategies and services to the business
community. Prior to founding CCG, he worked in real estate
in the San Francisco Bay Area, served as director of Internet
Operations for MachineWeb.com, and was a manager for
e-commerce and digital music at Rollingstone.com.
He earned his MBA from the University of Chicago and is
pursuing a Ph.D. at George Mason’s School of Public Policy.
In a recent interview with Fredericksburg Regional Business, Mr.
Miller expressed optimism that despite ongoing uncertainty,
economic opportunities will arise in 2015.
Q: What trends are affecting the economy at this time?
A: “Every industry is being disrupted. For entrepreneurs, that’s
a good thing. Instead of trying to come up with the greatest
new product, it’s now [trying] to come up with the next great
business model.”
Q: What trends do you see entrepreneurs pursuing in
2015?
A: “It’s been going for a couple of years now – it’s a movement
called the Lean Startup Movement. The basic premise – smart
people have been doing this for a long time – is treating a new
venture or innovative product launch as a series of unknowns.
We don’t know who the customers are; we don’t know how
they’re going to pay for it. Many entrepreneurs and business
leaders are making use of the Lean Startup methodology.
In this innovation management strategy, entrepreneurs and
innovators conduct a series of small experiments rather than
running a huge roll out. Planning is important but not until
you’ve validated your business model. Meaning, until we are
sure that our ideas will get people to pay us, we should keep
things flexible and acknowledge that our idea will need to
iterate or evolve. Nobody who’s smart finishes where they
started.”
Q: What are biggest challenges that large businesses –
more than 100 employees – will face in 2015?
A: “There’s a lot of unknown right now and there has been
for a couple of years – everything from the economy to global
security to global health issues. [Businesses] still are going to
need to be innovative and develop new products and services.
At a time of fear and the unknown, a lot of people don’t want
to make changes on their own. There’s a desire to protect what
we have. [They] need to ignore the headlines and continue to
grow [their] business.”
Q: What are some opportunities that large businesses
can pursue in 2015?
A: “The ability to communicate with a large number of
customers. That is the source of so many great innovations.
They will tell you what doesn’t work, what can be made
better. [They should] take advantage of that size and that
customer base.”
Q: What are the biggest challenges that small businesses
– 50 or fewer employees – will face in 2015?
A: “Not wanting to keep innovating. They have the ability to
make changes quicker than large organizations. In this time of
unknowns, they are swifter and more agile. [They must] resist
the survivalist mentality. That’s the danger – that you try to
just stand still until things seem more stable. That, of course, is
not the state of the world, and it’s better to lead change that
to just react to it”
Q: What are some opportunities that small businesses
can pursue in 2015?
A: “There’s a lot of talent out there that’s looking
for new opportunities.”

By Del. Bill Howell
The 2015 session of the General Assembly
is quickly approaching. Each year brings
unique challenges, and new discussions
on how to address the challenges and take
advantage of the opportunities facing our
Commonwealth.
Over the last several years, the General
Assembly has made significant progress
on a number of important issues.
In 2013 we made an historic investment
in our transportation and infrastructure
network. In 2014, we enacted an
innovative accountability system to make
sure that money is spent wisely. In 2013
we invested in our teachers, giving them
a much-deserved pay raise. In 2014,
we built on that investment by making
significant reforms to the Standards of
Learning tests in order to give students,
parents and teachers more flexibility.
This year, with an uncertain economic
climate, the General Assembly’s focus
will be strengthening our economy and
responsibly managing the state budget by
staying focused on the core functions of
government.
As Virginia approached the end of the
2014 budget cycle, we learned that
the commonwealth faces a significant
revenue shortfall moving forward. The
shortfall now totals almost $2.4 billion.
While revenues are showing signs of
improvement, the overall economic
forecast is hazy.
The shortfall was largely caused by tax
increases included in the Affordable Care
Act, which have negatively impacted
Virginia families and businesses.
Additionally, sequestration has
significantly impacted the economies of
Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.
Altogether, Virginia’s economy, despite
strong fundamentals, has staggered
slightly.
These challenges make it all the more
important for us to maintain our laser-like
focus on strengthening Virginia’s economy.
We have to keep taxes low to help attract
new businesses and encourage growth.
We must continue to improve our business
climate by rolling back burdensome
regulations that hamper growth.
We must also continue to develop and
improve our workforce. We have great
schools and great colleges, but our
workforce development programs need
to be streamlined and reformed. This is an
issue the General Assembly has worked
on over the last several years. It will remain
a top priority.
The most important responsibility of
the General Assembly is to maintain the
commonwealth’s balance sheet. A recent
JLARC report on state spending shows
that when adjusted for population and
inflation, Virginia’s general fund spending
has declined by 4 percent over the last 10
years. In other words, state government
is doing more with less, and I believe that
trend will have to continue.
The General Assembly has already taken
action to close the $2.4 billion shortfall
by responsibly using some of the rainy
day fund and cutting spending. We
avoided making cuts to K-12 education
and worked hard to mitigate the impact
of these cuts on colleges and universities
and local governments. By acting this
fall, rather than waiting until January,
we have given state agencies additional
flexibility and provided certainty to local
governments.
Moving forward, we must maintain our
conservative, responsible approach to
budgeting. Our focus should be on the
core functions of state government,
including K-12 and higher education,
public safety, transportation and economic
development.
The 2015 General Assembly will be
prepared to address the challenges
facingourcommonwealthandcapitalize
on new opportunities. Strengthening
our economy, maintaining a balanced
budget and investing in the core
functions of state government will
remain our top priorities.
The business community plays a
valuable role in helping shape the policy
discussions in Richmond. I encourage
you to reach out to local leaders and
offer your input. It is valuable and
appreciated.
Legislative Update
Keeping Virginia budget balanced top priority
for 2015 General Assembly session
William J. Howell has served as Speaker of
the Virginia House of Delegates since 2003.
He represents that 28th
House District.
6:00 pm
Fredericksburg Expo
Conference Center
Title Sponsor
Venue Sponsor
Bar Sponsor
Table Wine Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor

By Dr. Mohammad Jamal
Obesity has been linked to infertility and studies show bariatric
surgery may treat one of its most common causes – polycystic
ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal imbalance that affects
up to 10 percent of women of child-bearing age, 33-50
percent of whom are overweight or obese.
Not many patients come to a bariatric surgeon to treat
infertility problems, but women with morbid obesity, who
are infertile secondary to PCOS, may have a surgical option.
Many other studies have shown bariatric surgery can improve
or resolve a multitude of diseases and conditions, and now
infertility appears to have joined the list.
Recent clinical research from the University of Iowa Hospitals
and Clinics showed that nearly all morbidly obese women
enrolled in the study, who were diagnosed with PCOS-related
infertility and desired children, became pregnant within three
years following gastric bypass surgery. Doctors advise women
not to try to conceive until at least 18 months after bariatric
surgery due to surgery-related changes that could affect fetal
development.
Before surgery, the women had an average body mass index
(BMI) of 52, and after surgery had an average excess weight
loss of nearly 60 percent. Menstruation corrected in 82
percent of the women and nearly 80 percent no longer had
Type 2 diabetes.
In addition to infertility, PCOS increases the risk of obesity,
insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, irregular
menstrual cycles and miscarriage. Obese women who become
pregnant may suffer from a complication of gestational
diabetes, which passes on an increased risk for early diabetes
and obesity to their children.
Significant weight loss also reduces the risk of pregnancy-
related complications, which is another important
consideration. Though this is a small study, it has a big result
and should be an area for more investigation and should
be discussed with morbidly obese women who are having
difficulty conceiving – especially those who have failed
conventional methods of conception including hormonal
treatments and in-vitro fertilization.
Bariatric surgery has been shown to be the most effective and
long-lasting treatment for morbid obesity and many related
conditions. People with morbid obesity have BMI of 40 or
more, or BMI of 35 or more with an obesity-related disease
such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease or sleep apnea.
According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric
Surgery (ASMBS), more than 15 million Americans have morbid
obesity. Studies have shown patients may lose 30-50 percent
of their excess weight six months after surgery and 77 percent
of their excess weight as early as one year after surgery.
The most common methods of bariatric surgery are
laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric
banding (LAGB). Bariatric surgery limits the amount of food
the stomach can hold, and/or limits the amount of calories
absorbed, by surgically reducing the stomach’s capacity to a
few ounces.
If you have more questions about obesity-related infertility,
metabolic disease, or bariatric surgery, contact Dr. Mohammad
Jamal with the Surgical Weight Loss Center at Spotsylvania Regional
at (540) 423.6600 or visit fredericksburgweightloss.com.
Spotlight
Obesity, infertility linked – Surgery may relieve both conditions
Mohammad Jamal, MD, FACS, is a physician
with the HCA MultiSpecialty Health
Group and the Surgical Weight Loss
Center at Spotsylvania Regional Medical
Center. SRMC is a Chamber Trailblazer.
www.spotsrmc.com
The Fredericksburg
Regional Chamber of Commerce
wishes all of you a joyous holiday
and a prosperous New Year!

It is well-known that the world of economic development
is fast paced and highly competitive. Competition exists not
only between states, but also between regions.
The Fredericksburg Region is no exception, and the
Fredericksburg Regional Alliance is keenly focused on
marketing this area’s tremendous assets, while working
to improve in areas that will assist us in in attracting new
business.
In response to changes and opportunities, we are changing
some of the ways we approach regional economic
development. While the Alliance has always been a
marketing organization, we are now keenly focused on
targeted industry sectors that best fit the region and its
diverse localities.
These targets were identified in the Regional Cluster
Analysis, completed in 2013 by noted economist Christine
Chmura.
The new marketing plan was produced with collaboration
of business leaders from the targeted industries, local
economic development professionals from each jurisdiction
and the Alliance Board of Directors and staff. Although
implementation of the new marketing effort just began in
August, we are already experiencing increased interest in
the region.
The Alliance looks forward to the fifth year of our partnership
with the University of Mary Washington. Our association
with the university continues to evolve, and our support
of the university’s initiatives, such as Transformation 20/20
and other programs, helps create more opportunities for
business growth in the region.
The University and Germanna Community College are two
of our region’s greatest resources and are instrumental in
our economic development strategies.
The Fredericksburg Region’s workforce has always been
our number one asset and that has certainly not changed.
Our area is fortunate to host more than 168,000 workers
with a participation rate of 67 percent. Of that labor force
population, 32 percent have bachelor’s degrees or higher.
Through our marketing efforts, we work to attract businesses
to the area that will offer new jobs to our unemployed
citizens and also provide opportunities for those who
Spotlight
Workforce,
educational,
lifestyle
assets help
Fredericksburg
Region attract
new business
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Continued to page 14

800.201.4328
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Call Now for a special Chambers only offer!
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currently commute outside the region to work closer to home.
The region also enjoys an optimal strategic location. In
fact, 60 percent of the nation’s population is within a day’s
drive. This is a key statistic when attracting businesses in the
manufacturing and distribution industry.
The region is also host to three military installations; NSWC
Dahlgren, Marine Corps Base Quantico and Fort A.P. Hill.
Not only do these installations, along with the contractors
supporting them, provide a significant economic impact on
the region, but they are very strong assets in marketing to the
technology and information industries.
Transportation is another key marketing advantage for the
Fredericksburg Region. With an interstate highway, regional
transit system, commercial and civil airports, VRE, Amtrak and
commercial rail services, the region is able to provide several
logistic solutions for industries looking to do business on the
East Coast.
High quality of life in the Fredericksburg Region is something
we all currently enjoy, and that new businesses search for.
It is a great and unique asset for a region to have two major
healthcare systems easily accessible. Mary Washington
Healthcare’s Fredericksburg and Stafford hospitals, and
HCA’s Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center provide not only
healthcare options for patients, but also for businesses that
work within, or in support of, the healthcare industry.
Along with the other major assets mentioned above, the
area’s urban and suburban settings, historic sites, short
drives to rivers, lakes, ocean beaches, mountains and
major metropolitan areas will continue to help make the
Fredericksburg Region a strong, viable location for attracting
new business.
Spotlight - FRA Continued from page 13

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

By Bob Pleban
As you may already know, the Fredericksburg Regional
Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council (MAC)
promotes and supports the business interests of our region as
it pertains to the defense industry and the military.
The MAC serves as the liaison between the defense and
civilian communities and was born out of a grassroots effort
to help protect our local defense activities during the 2005
Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) process. The group
was successful in helping the Fredericksburg Region’s interests.
Since then, the MAC has continued to strengthen its
relationship with the region’s three bases and has expanded
its membership to interested persons and businesses in the
region, academia and the local government. Recently, the
MAC was very proud to add the Fredericksburg Army National
Guard Armory to its roll.
The MAC fully recognizes the role that the defense industry
and the military play in our local economy. As we move toward
2015, the MAC will monitor the outlook for an upcoming
BRAC, as well as the potential effects of sequestration and the
FY2015 Continuing Resolution on the region’s workforce. Our
council will remain vigilant and proactive.
Another important aspect of the MAC is to foster and grow the
relationships between the local business community and the
region’s military. There are a number of solid defense contractors
that are members of the MAC, but the membership also has a
growing number of businesses connected to the local defense
community such as real estate, transportation and merchant
companies that proudly recognize and support our military.
These businesses, along with the local base commanders
of Quantico (Marine Corps), Dahlgren (Navy), U.S. Army
Garrison Fort A.P. Hill (Army) and the Fredericksburg Armory
(Army National Guard); local county and city officials; local
academia such as the University of Mary Washington; and
long standing support by Congressman Rob Wittman, create
a strong collective voice that directly supports our region’s
military and collective economic development.
The MAC is already planning a full calendar of events that
will engage our community. We will offer several base tours
in 2015, in concert with lectures on important topics that
affect our area and nation. We also look forward to inviting
speakers from outside our region to lend their perspectives on
the military at large.
If you take nothing away from this article, please know this –
Our region works together. It starts with the leadership of the
Fredericksburg Regional Chamber and filters down through
our bases and local government administrators. This is a
unique stance, one that is not easy at times. But it is simply
the right thing to do. The MAC joins in this regional effort to
support our community.
In closing, it is an honor and a privilege to serve as the incoming
2015 Military Affairs Council Chairman. After serving our
nation as a Naval Flight Officer and Mission Commander on the
P-3 Orion Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft, I am now grateful
to serve our community. It’s going to be a great 2015!
Bob Pleban is founder and president of RPI Group, Inc. and
the 2015 chair of the Chamber’s Military Affairs Council.
Military Briefing
Military Affairs Council leading regional
cooperation to strengthen military presence
Military Affairs
Council
The Chamber’s Military Affairs Council held its annual Report
to the Community on Nov. 13. Rear Adm. Markham K. Rich,
USN, Commandant, Naval District Washington, delivered the
keynote address. Congressman Rob Wittman spoke, as did
the commanders for Naval Support Activity South Potomac,
Marine Corps Base Quantico and U.S. Army Garrison Fort
A.P. Hill.
The MAC presented its Military Friendly Business of the
Year Award to J. Brian’s Tap Room.
2014 MAC Report to
the Community
Rear Adm. Rich outlined the strategic challenges facing the U.S.
Navy during the MAC Report to the Community.
Title Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsors

95 Express Lanes: What you need to know
By Mike McGurk
Ready for a faster, more predictable trip on Interstate 95?
You’re in luck. The 95 Express Lanes will open this month and
will help get businesses moving again on I-95 by increasing
the flow of goods, employees and services.
The 95 Express Lanes offer drivers new choices, extend the
network to Stafford County and add capacity. The lanes are
making long, unpredictable trips along the corridor a thing of
the past
The 95 Express Lanes are a conversion of the existing high-
occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes to high-occupancy toll (HOT)
lanes. The lanes now operate on I-95 from Garrisonville Road
in Stafford County to the Edsall Road area on I-395 and will
provide a seamless connection to the 495 Express Lanes and
into Tysons Corner.
Here’s what you need to know about the Express Lanes:
• You need an E-ZPass®
– Carpoolers need an E-ZPass®
FlexSM
set to HOV mode to travel toll-free. There are no
toll booths or options to pay cash on the Express Lanes.
• You can pick up an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex at 75 area
locations, including – AAA Mid-Atlantic and Wegmans
locations, select Virginia DMVs and Giant Food Stores or
at one of the E-ZPass Customer Service Centers; Tysons
Corner Center, online at www.ezpassva.com; or by
calling Virginia E-ZPass at (877) 762-7824. For a smooth
trip on the Express Lanes, ensure that your E-ZPass is
correctly mounted in your car, that it can be read through
the windshield and that your address is updated with the
DMV. Visit www.95expresslanes.com/using-ezpass for
more information.
• Like today’s HOV lanes, the Express Lanes will be
reversible – The reversal of the lanes in the morning and
evening will be largely the same process and timing as in
the past. Unlike the HOV lanes, where the rules of the
road are only in place during peak travel periods, Express
Lanes rules are in effect 24/7.
The Express Lanes end and the HOV lanes begin on I-395 just
north of Edsall Road. The rules on the HOV lanes will be the
same. It’s important to know what to do in this transition area:
• When traveling northbound in the morning on
Express Lanes the HOV restriction is in effect – Drivers
traveling alone or with one passenger will need to exit
from the Express Lanes to avoid entering the HOV lanes.
HOV-3+ and eligible clean fuel plate vehicles can continue
straight onto the I-395 HOV lanes.
• When traveling southbound in the afternoon,
drivers in the regular I-95 lanes with an E-ZPass
may choose to enter the Express Lanes – HOV-3+
and eligible clean fuel plate vehicles with an E-ZPass or
E-ZPass Flex can continue onto the Express Lanes. Drivers
who don’t have an E-ZPass or don’t wish to travel on the
Express Lanes may exit onto the regular I-95 lanes via a
ramp. Visit www.95ExpressLanes.com/transition for more
information.
Mike McGurk is the senior corporate relations associate at Transurban,
the operator of the 95 and 459 Express Lanes.
On the Move
Transurban/95 Express Lanes

WelcomeAce Auto Group Inc.
Antoine Cespedes
4615 Ewell Rd.
Phone: (540) 898-1224
Fax: (540) 891-1815
ace@aceautogroupva.com
aceautogroupva.com
Automobile Dealers
Anytime Fitness
Alex Diaz
25 Tech Pkwy.
Suite 101
Stafford, VA 22556
Phone: (540) 877-6933
staffordva@anytimefitness.com
facebook.com/
anytimestaffordva
Fitness Centers/Training
ARCpoint Labs of
Fredericksburg
Brad Freitag
121 B Park Hill Dr.
Phone: (540) 479-1600
Fax: (540)-479-1645
bfreitag@arcpointlabs.com
arcpointlabs.com/fredericksburg
Lab/Medical Testing
Bacon McClain Associates
Sandy Bacon
302 Westwood Office Park
Phone: (540) 370-8601
Fax: (540) 370-8604
baconmcclain@gmail.com
baconmcclain.com
Real Estate – Brokers
Catalyst Entertainment, LLC
Bryce Kinsey
3451 Jefferson Davis Hwy.
Phone: (540) 300-2786
bryce@catalyst-center.com
catalyst-center.com
Entertainment
Cruise One
Melissa Badami
Phone: (540) 277-3136
mbadami@cruiseone.com
thecruisecontessa.com
Travel Agencies
Curtis Brokerage
Services, Inc
Mark Sisk
1390 Warrenton Rd.
Phone: (540) 752-4454
Fax: (540) 752-9356
Trucking/Motor Freight
Direct General
Insurance Agency
Laura Scarborough
10908 Courthouse Rd.
#106
Phone: (540) 899-3036
laura.scarborough@
directgeneral.com
directgeneral.com
Insurance
Dodson Property
Management
Naomi Sharp
10458 Hilltop Plaza Way
Spotsylvania, VA 22553
Phone: (540) 583-0466
naomi@
dodsonpropertymanagement.
com
dpmfredericksburg.com
Property Managers
Flair Communication
Debby Girvan
612 Hawke St.
Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401
Phone: (540) 809-8196
info@flaircommunication.com
flaircommunication.com
Web Design Hosting Services
Foltz Associates CPA
Samuel Foltz
2601 Princess Anne St.
Suite 201
Phone: (540) 373-6589
info@foltzcpa.com
foltzcpa.com
Accountants – Certified Public
Germanna Foundation
Steven Hein
2062 Germanna Hwy.
Locust Grove, VA 22508
Phone: (540) 423-1700
shein@germanna.org
germanna.org
Non Profit
Heritage Wealth Advisors
Ben Wafle
725 Jackson St.
Suite 202
Phone: (540) 376-3500
bwafle@heritagewealth.net
heritagewealth.net
Financial Advisors
JDRoss Consulting, LLC
Johnathan Ross
701 Kenmore Ave.
Suite 110
Phone: (540) 273-4886
Fax: (540) 373-5225
johnathan.ross@
jdrossconsulting.com
jdrossconsulting.com
Contractors – Defense
LegalShield
Sally Phillips
Phone: (804) 387-7927
Fax: (540) 898-1905
sally.phillips2012@gmail.com
sallyphillips.legalshieldassociate.com
Legal Services
LibertyTown Arts Workshop
Dolores Lecky
916 Liberty St.
Phone: (540) 371-7255
info@libertytownarts.com
libertytownarts.com
Art Galleries
McCottry Foundation
Starlene Ralbovsky
10205 Napolean St.
Phone: (888) 983-7049 ex 701
info@mccottryfoundation.org
mccottryfoundation.org
Non Profit
McCottry Industries
Jonathan McCottry
10205 Napolean St.
Phone: (540) 372-3754
Fax: (540) 372-6984
jonathan@mccottryindustries.com
mccottryindustries.com
IT Support Services
NAIFA Fredericksburg
Scott Pettyjohn
2300 Fall Hill Ave.
Suite 414
Phone: (540) 373-0084
Fax: (540) 373-9677
facebook.com/naifafredva
Trade Association
Reliable Chimes, Inc.
Mark Kimbro
6123 Hot Spring Ln.
Phone: (800) 641-4111
info@reliablechimes.com
reliablechimes.com
Security/Safety – Products
Services
Rock Hill Plantation, LLC
Richard Green
228 Rock Hill Church Rd.
Stafford, VA 22556
Phone: (540) 286-3131
info@rockhillplantation.com
rockhillplantation.com
Weddings/Banquets
She-EO, LLC
DeShawn Robinson-Chew
560 Celebrate Virginia Pkwy
Suite 103-103
Phone: (866) 697-4336
drc@sheeoacademy.com
sheeoacademy.com
Youth Services
WrapanewYou!
with it Works! Global
London Jones
Spotsylvania, VA 22551
Phone: (540) 287-5162
wrappanewyou@gmail.com
Health Skin Care Products
Welcome New Members
The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce warmly welcomes the newest members of the Chamber family.
Be a good partner – remember them when you do business.

38 years
Walter J. Sheffield, Attorney at Law
30 years
American Traffic Safety Services Association
Lewis Insurance Associates
Mullins Thompson Funeral Service
PBMares, LLP
Princess Anne Animal Hospital
Rappahannock Area Community Services Board
25 years
Cushman Wakefield | Thalhimer
Hazel Land Companies
NTS/Virginia Development Company
Professional Lock Key Service
Steve Spratt Improvements
Vulcan Materials Company
20 years
Allen, Allen, Allen Allen
D’Marie’s Antique Reproductions
The Journal Press, Inc.
Lake Anna Winery
Landmarc Real Estate, Inc.
Parrish Snead Franklin Simpson, PLC
Patterson Construction
Shaw’s Carpets, Inc.
Virginia Community Bank
Wack General Contractor
Wilderness/Presidential Resorts
Zope Corporation
15 years
Aquia Realty, Inc.
Basic Commerce and Industries, Inc.
BBT Mortgage
Businets
Community Foundation of the Rappahannock
River Region
Country Inn Suites, Fredericksburg South
Dewberry
disAbility Resource Center of the Rappahannock, Inc.
Froehling Robertson
M T Bank
Mid Atlantic Construction Group
Thurman Brisben Center
10 years
Cardinal Bank
CTI Real Estate
First Citizens Bank
First Command Financial Planning
Keller Williams Superior Realty
Line-X of Fredericksburg
Marstel-Day, LLC
NSWC Federal Credit Union
Orthopedic Clinic of Central Virginia
RE/MAX Cornerstone Realty
SimVentions Inc.
5 years
America’s Home Place
Assist 2 Sell, Sellers Buyers Realty Inc.
Brain Injury Services
Capital Ale House of Fredericksburg, LLC
Conscious Security, Inc.
CP2S
DPW Training Associates, LLC
ElderCare Connections
Employment Resources Incorporated
Fairfield Inn Suites by Marriott
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair, Inc.
Friends of the Rappahannock
Golden Living Center
Holiday Inn Express Fredericksburg Southpoint
Kurylo Gold, PLC
Ledo Pizza Pasta
Lockheed Martin
Media Partners, LLC
Northern Virginia Computer Systems
Plumb Magic LLC
Professional Building Maintenance Corp.
ROB’S Car Wash Detailing Team
Sonic Drive-In (Harrison Crossing Center)
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Terex Government Programs
The UPS Store – Plank Road
ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance
Van Zandt Restoration, LLC
Vocelli Pizza Salem Fields
W G Construction
Walgreens
Wal-mart Store (U.S. 17)
Washington Square Associates, Inc.
Wegmans Food Market
Wells Fargo
Westmoreland Berry Farm
Wilburn Gardens
Y-OPA Consulting Group
Anniversaries
The Chamber would like to thank the following businesses that are celebrating membership anniversaries. Thank you for your unswerving
support.
Micah is so thankful for the community support that has moved us from
an agency that helps people survive to one inspires perseverance. We look
forward to working more with you in 2015, as we continue leading our
community in bringing about an end to chronic homelessness.
WISH LIST
Help Micah in its efforts to end homelessness by giving the gift of home this holiday season. Consider donating $10 gift
cards to Wal-mart, Target, WaWa or other store where household items are sold. Or put together a basket that we can
offer to new people moving from the street to housing. Suggested Items include.
• Shower Curtain
• Bath Mat
• Bath Towels (2-4)
• Washcloths (2-4)
• Dish Towels
• Broom/ Dust Pan
• Paper Towels
• Sponges
• Sheet set
(twin or full)
• Pillow
• Dishes
• Silverware
• Pots/Pans
• Cleaning Supplies
Dish Soap, Windex
All-purpose Cleaner
‘Clorox’ Wipes
www.micahfredericksburg.org

Bill Blevins (center), COO and co-founder
of Plants Map, Inc., received the Made in
FredVA grand prize from Next Generation
Vice Chair Adam Janney (left) and Made in
FredVA Chair Bill Freehling.
The Made in FredVA finalists gathered for
final congratulations following the contest.
Bill Freehling presented the People’s Choice
Award to Annie Tremper, founder of Eternity
Blooms, at the conclusion of the Made in
FredVA contest.
The Next Generation of Business Leaders
held its second annual Made in FredVA
contest at the Inn at the Old Silk Mill.
Plants Map, Inc. won the grand prize of
$10,000 in start-up capital.
Eternity Blooms netted the $500
People’s Choice Award.
Premier Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Next Generation’s Made in FredVA Contest

DON’T WAIT TO
DONATEThis holiday season is the perfect time to
clean out your closets. Set aside the gently
used clothing and household items you
no longer use and DONATE to Goodwill.®
Find out more at www.FredGoodwill.org

Complete Printing – Individual Solutions
Since 1987
Stafford Printing
is pleased to partner with
The Fredericksburg Regional
Chamber of Commerce
to produce
FREDERICKSBURG
REGIONAL BUSINESS
540-659-4554 • howen@staffordprinting.com • www.staffordprinting.com
Technology + Print = Stafford Printing
Our mission is to make your job simple. We employ the resources necessary
to insulate you from the complexities of the various printing processes
to deliver solutions for your printing, mailing, web to print and fulfillment needs.

January 2015
Tuesday, January 6
Roundtable
Fredericksburg
8:00am
Wednesday, January 7
Next Generation
Mid-Week Motivation
Ristorante Renatos
12:00pm
Wednesday, November 19
Ribbon Cutting
PITAIYO
2324 Plank Road
4:00pm
Thursday, January 15
Business After Hours
The Garrett Companies
The Courtyard Marriott Historic District
620 Caroline Street
5:30 pm
Tuesday, January 20
Leadership Fredericksburg
Alumni Builder
Chamber office
8:30am
Tuesday, January 20
CNEW Luncheon
Fredericksburg Country Club
11:30 am
Small Business Builder
Chamber office
12:00pm
Ribbon Cutting
RockIT Repairs
1319 Lafayette Blvd.
4:00pm
Tuesday, January 27
Non-Profit
Business Builder
Chamber office
12:00pm
6:00pm
Fredericksburg Expo Conference Center
anuary 2015
Tuesday, January 6
Roundtable
Fredericksburg
8:00am
Next Generation
Mid-Week Motivation
Ristorante Renatos
12:00pm
Ribbon Cutting
PITAIYO
2324 Plank Road
4:00pm
620 Caroline Street
5:30 pm
Tuesday, January 20
Alumni Builder
Chamber office
8:30am
Tuesday, January 20
CNEW Luncheon
11:30 am
mall Business Builder
Chamber office
12:00pm
Ribbon Cutting
RockIT Repairs
4:00pm
Tuesday, January 27
Non-Profit
Business Builder
Chamber office
12:00pm
6:00pm
Fredericksburg
8:00am
Mid-Week Motivation
Ristorante Renatos
12:00pm
Ribbon Cutting
PITAIYO
2324 Plank Road
4:00pm
620 Caroline Street
5:30 pm
Tuesday, January 20
Alumni Builder
Chamber office
8:30am
Tuesday, January 20
CNEW Luncheon
11:30 am
Chamber office
12:00pm
Ribbon Cutting
RockIT Repairs
4:00pm
Tuesday, January 27
Non-Profit
Business Builder
Chamber office
12:00pm
6:00pm
Fredericksburg
8:00am
Mid-Week Motivation
Ristorante Renatos
12:00pm
Ribbon Cutting
PITAIYO
2324 Plank Road
4:00pm
620 Caroline Street
5:30 pm
Tuesday, January 20
Alumni Builder
Chamber office
8:30am
Tuesday, January 20
CNEW Luncheon
11:30 am
Chamber office
12:00pm
Ribbon Cutting
RockIT Repairs
4:00pm
Tuesday, January 27
Non-Profit
Business Builder
Chamber office
12:00pm
6:00pm
Next Generation
Mid-Week Motivation
Ristorante Renatos
12:00pm
620 Caroline Street
5:30 pm
burg Tuesday, January 20
CNEW Luncheon
11:30 am
Ribbon Cutting
RockIT Repairs
4:00pm
Tuesday, January 27
Non-Profit
Business Builder
Chamber office
12:00pm
6:00pm
ricksburg Expo Conference Center
Chamber Staff
6:00 pm
Fredericksburg Expo
Conference Center
Happy Holidays from the Chamber staff!
www.fredericksburgchamber.org
Schedule of Events
January 2015
Michele Renee Dooling,
Director of Finance Human Resources
Katie Hansen,
Executive Assistant Member Services Support
Stacey Hicks, Administrative Support
Tricia Benson Matthews,
Membership Account Executive
Erin Meadows, Member Services Assistant
Kasey Nabal, Military Govt. Affairs Manager
Susan Spears, President CEO
Whitney Watts, Director of Member Services
George Whitehurst, Director of Communications
Sheri Wikert, Member Services Coordinator

2300 Fall Hill Avenue, Suite 415
Phone: 540.371.2402
info@theMediaPartners.com
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 Kammer
SSloan@theMediaPartners.com KKammer@theMediaPartners.com
It’s time to light a fire.
We keep business moving.
Whether you’re moving people, equipment or your entire office,
no one keeps you moving quite like Hilldrup.
Hilldrup has more than a century of continuous service and industry-wide
recognized expertise. We handle just about every type of move for all types
of organizations, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies and
government agencies. Our comprehensive menu of services and managed
processes work to create customized solutions that make every phase of a
move easier, more efficient and cost effective, allowing our clients to stay
focused on what they do best - their job. So whether your next move takes
you dyou down the block or around the world - find out how Hilldrup can get
you there like no one else.
www.hilldrup.com
4022 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Stafford, VA 22554
(703) 221.7155
Moving • Storage • Logistics

Fredericksburg Reg. Bus. - Dec. 2014

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