January/February 2016 Chamber Magazine FINAL

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Military Brief Military Affairs Council MAC celebrates their 10th year of advocacy for local bases By Mike Hudson As you may already know, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Council (MAC) is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2016! We are excited to serve this community, and I’m especially proud to serve as chairman of this organization during this milestone. The MAC’s mission is to advocate for and promote the military and national defense bases, commands and installations in the region and in doing so, support the interests of the military, their families, the local defense industry and the region as a whole. Through this broad spectrum, the MAC supports not only our local bases, but the wider defense and business communities in the region. The MAC serves as a liaison between the defense and civilian communities and was organized from a grassroots effort to help protect our local defense activities during the 2005 Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) process. There are three local bases within the MAC’s jurisdiction: Marine Corps Base Quantico (MCB Quantico), Naval Support Activity South Legislative Update MAC Pre-Session Dinner and Update The MAC Pre-Session dinner featured Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs John Harvey and Congressman Rob Wittman, R-1st District. Secretary Harvey’s talk focused on sequestration, the work of the Commission on Military Installations and Defense Activities, veteran’s employment and how the business community can support transitioning service members. Wittman gave an update on the House Armed Services Committee and defense activities at the national level. Pictured left to right: Col. Joseph Murray, Congressman Rob Wittman, Fredericksburg Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw, Fredericksburg Region Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Susan Spears, Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs John Harvey, Lt. Col. David Meyer, and MAC Chairman Mike Hudson. Potomac (Dahlgren) and U.S. Army Garrison Fort A.P. Hill (Fort A.P. Hill). Since the MAC’s creation, we have been instrumental and successful in helping the Fredericksburg region’s interests pertaining to the defense community, which collectively generates more than $10 billion in annual economic impact. The MAC has also established and Mike Hudson maintained relationships with our bases’ Commanding Officers, local and Commonwealth legislators, and key officials in the Virginia Department of Veterans and Defense Affairs. These key relationships have allowed the MAC to position itself to better advocate and fight for the defense community, and—most importantly— position itself ahead of potential future BRACs. It is our belief that the bases and surrounding communities are the true economic engines of the region, and we will strive to protect them in the face of BRAC or any other threats. In addition to advocacy, the MAC hosts regular special events and roundtables throughout the year. In 2015, the MAC hosted several special speakers, including Congressman Rob Wittman and General John Jumper, USAF, retired, at the annual Report to the Community. Also guest speaker John Harvey, Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, at the Pre-legislation dinner event. The MAC hosted a guided tour of Naval Support Facility Dahlgren and Marine Base Quantico, where guests were given an exclusive behind-the-scene access and briefs on training, infrastructure, technology, and contracts. These events provide opportunities for the business community to engage with the defense and military communities by understanding military essentials, expanding networks, and to align their businesses with the local bases. This year, the MAC will host Congressman Wittman at the annual breakfast, as well as other guest speakers. Also we will be hosting exclusive tours of Naval Support Facility Dahlgren and Fort A.P. Hill. We also plan a trip to Arlington National Cemetery to participate in the wreath laying ceremony. Also, we will host individual base briefing events and focus on the changing climate for contracting and acquisition policy. It’s going to be a great year for the MAC! As the 2016 chairman, I promise to lead our Council in its tradition of strong advocacy for our bases and community, remaining vigilant and proactive. I firmly believe this will be another great year for the MAC and our military and defense community in the Fredericksburg region. We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events. For more information, please, contact executive director, Kasey Nabal, at Kasey@FredericksburgChamber.org. 14 Fredericksburg Regional Business JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
100 Years of the Chamber Continued from page 5 Commerce after Spotsylvania County joined the Chamber. The present name, Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, was changed in 1995 to reflect representation for all localities in Planning District 16: the City of Fredericksburg and Stafford, Caroline, Spotsylvania, and King George counties. Today’s Chamber Remaining A Step Ahead The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce has been through many changes in the past 100 years. The organization has constantly shifted gears to reflect the needs of its members. The Chamber has invested in the community because in order for business to grow and prosper the region must be a great place for individuals to live, learn, prosper, and play. The Chamber committed massive resources to combat the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). The region is home to three military installations – Marine Corps Base Quantico, Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, and Fort A.P. Hill. The bases contributed in excess of $1.2 billion to the regional economy at the time of the 2005 BRAC. MAC awards two businesses Military Friendly Award The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce held its first annual Salute to Honor event at Spencer Devon Brewing, where two local businesses were awarded with Military Friendly Business of the Year awards. Fred Wellman, CEO and founder of ScoutComms, LLC, and Sean Ricks, president and CEO of Ricks Roasters were awarded for going above and beyond for military veterans and families. ScoutComms is a communications firm designed to help military and veterans causes. Ricks Roasters, a coffee company, gives back a portion of profits to military organizations.Both business owners and their employees are also involved in local veteran service organizations. Left: Fred Wellman, Commissioner of Veterans Services, John Newby, and Sean Ricks. Front row left: Greg Calvert, 2015; Dori Eglevsky, 1992; Mike Fidgeon, 2014. Back row left: Ed Alison, Jr., 1988; Joe Greene, 2001; Bill Young, 2006; Mark Steele, 2011-12; Wood VanValkenburg, 2009-10; Gary Nuckols, 2002; Fred Rankin, 2000; Ben Wafle, 2005; and Shawn Sloan, 2007-08. The Chamber formed a coalition that worked diligently to prevent base and/or tenant closures. The BRAC commission originally slated the region to lose approximately 300 jobs. Largely due to the Chamber’s advocacy efforts, those jobs were saved and the region also gained approximately 3,000 jobs. Following this effort, the Chamber formed the Military Affairs Council (MAC). In recent years the Chamber also launched Leadership Fredericksburg, a nine-month leadership program that exposes leaders to business leaders and businesses throughout the full region. The Chamber also has a vibrant 40-and-under business group, Next Generation of Business Leaders, and a technology council, FredTech, which holds an annual STEM Summit that attracts both students and businesses. The Chamber’s Workforce NOW program focuses on area workforce readiness and workforce development needs. The Chamber provides numerous networking and social occasions as well, kicking off each year with the annual Gala celebration. “At the Chamber, we I live for what I like to call “the moments” –those are the times when we see meaningful business connections occur and lives – and a business’s subsequent success – are literally changed for the better,” said Susan Spears, President & CEO of the Chamber. “It is our hope that when anyone speaks of our chamber, an image of pride is immediately conjured, due to the positive impact the organization has had for our members.” The Chamber has evolved into a multifaceted organization that serves the community as it serves its members. “We have big shoes to fill when it comes to our founding fathers that started and maintained our chamber,” said Bill Hession, 2016 Chairman of the Board of Directors. “We’re looking forward to stepping into the Chamber’s second century and leading the community to its next level of prosperity and innovation.” JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 Fredericksburg Regional Business 15
Page 1 and 2: 100 YEARS OF THE CHAMBER FREDERICKS
Page 3 and 4: 100 Years of Business = A Time for
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Page 7 and 8: Trailblazer Spotlight ENRICHING LIV
Page 9 and 10: Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies News Casi
Page 11 and 12: Become Involved: Promoting communit
Page 13: HR Matters CHA-CHING! The Changing
Page 17 and 18: CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Years 100 Years
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Page 21 and 22: SEVA Southeast Virginia Rapid Respo
Page 23 and 24: The Fredericksburg REALTORS ® Foun
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Page 29 and 30: Providence Human Services acquired
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January/February 2016 Chamber Magazine FINAL

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