May_June 2016 Chamber Magazine

FREDERICKSBURG 

REGIONAL BUSINESS 

MAY/JUNE 2016 

THE REGION’S PREMIER BUSINESS PUBLICATION Volume 2 Issue 3 

JANEL 

DONOHUE 

Class of 2008 

BEN KEDDIE 

Class of 2010 

ROSE 

HEYWARD 

Class of 2009 

TOM 

SCHOEDEL 

Class of 2014 

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Thinking about Leadership 

Fredericksburg? The time is now! 

By Susan Spears 

When Leadership Fredericksburg graduates its 

ninth class this month we will have more than 

200 alumni members interwoven throughout 

our community. From the moment you pick up 

your May/June copy of Fredericksburg Regional 

Business you will see multiple layers that describe 

why this matters to the Chamber of Commerce. 

This year I worked with co-facilitators, J.R. 

Flatter, PhD and Dave Corderman, PhD, two 

local leaders with advanced degrees in leadership 

development, to deliver the program. We are 

now finishing up our first year as a team and I am 

pleased to inform you both will be with us again 

to lead the 2017 class. 

Susan Spears is president and 

CEO of the Fredericksburg 

Regional Chamber of 

Commerce. 

If you have not yet become involved with our signature program, the time is now. 

Consider your own unique talents – Can you serve as a program mentor? Should 

your nonprofit consider applying for a project partnership? Maybe you want to 

support the program as a sponsor – it’s an incredible way to give back to your 

community. 

Or perhaps now is the time for you to encourage a member of your organization 

to apply for the upcoming class, or… consider applying yourself. Leadership 

Fredericksburg is for leaders from all stages of their professional and/or community 

leadership journey – from company presidents, small business owners, nonprofit 

leaders, to young supervisors. 

The criterion is a proven track record of demonstrable leadership, which is much 

more than a simple title. That’s why we are competitive, and that’s why this 

program is challenging. Leadership Fredericksburg is for the best and brightest in 

our community. Is that you? If so, the time is now! Applications for the 2017 class 

will be accepted from May 1-July 1, 2016. 

I am proud to serve as your Chamber’s president, and I am proud to serve 

as Executive Director for Leadership Fredericksburg. If you have questions 

about our signature program, please contact me at (540) 373-9400 or 

susan@fredericksburgchamber.org. 

On the cover… 

Leadership Fredericksburg Alumni continue to actively participate with the 

Chamber program. Pictured left to right: Janel Donohue, Ben Keddie, Rose 

Heyward and Tom Schoedel. Their story is on page 7. 

Photo by Dawn Haun / Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

From the President 

1916-2016 

The 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: 

Chairman 

Bill 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 Estate 

Rob Dodd Jr., DLR Contracting Inc. 

Janel Donohue, Rappahannock United Way 

Kevin Fastabend, Virginia Partners Bank 

Mike Fidgeon, Pathways 

Eric Fletcher, Mary Washington Healthcare 

Adam Fried, Atlantic Builder, Ltd. 

Paul Giambra, Quarles Petroleum, Inc. 

Kathy Hoffman, Mary Kay Cosmetics 

Ron Holmes, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 

Stacy Horne, Allstate 

Deirdre 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 Services 

Michele Dooling, Dir. of Finance & Human Resource 

Dawn Haun, Communications Manager 

Kasey Nabal, Military & Government Affairs Manager 

Sheri Wikert, Member Services Manager 

Stacey Madigan, Executive Assistant 

Stacey Hicks, Administrative Support 

Desiree Suggs, Membership Account Executive 

Erin Meadows, Member Services Assistant 

A publication of 

Fredericksburg Regional 

Chamber of Commerce 

Editorial: Dawn Haun 

Printing & Mailing: Stafford Printing 

www.staffordprinting.com 

FREDERICKSBURG REGIONAL 

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 

ESTABLISHED 1916. 

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

WELCOME 

3 President’s Message 

4 Chairman Update 

FEATURES 

5 Leadership Fredericksburg 

6 Class President Kyle Allwine 

FEATURES 

8 Transportation 

16 MAC Recap 

COLUMNS 

11 HR Matters 

13 Green Challenge 

NEWS 

14 Geico 

20 New Members 

NEWS 

22 Member News 

27 Calendars 

MAY/JUNE 2016 Fredericksburg Regional Business 3

Chairman’s Update 

Building ties between business, elected officials 

a key part of Chamber’s mission 

By Bill Hession 

It’s that time again: political campaigns are flooding America’s 

television screens and saturating the front pages of its 

newspapers. Come summer, we’ll know the Republican or 

Democratic candidate for president. In just over eight months, 

we’ll know who will win a four-year lease at 1600 Pennsylvania 

Ave. 

As Americans head to the polls to choose their leaders, 

members of the business community must educate themselves 

about the choices. Elected officials – from the city council 

and county board of supervisors all the way up to Congress 

– exercise tremendous power over those of us who keep 

America’s economy growing. 

With the stroke of a pen, a president can issue an executive 

order that imposes new regulations that dramatically increase 

the cost of doing business. Similarly, a president can issue 

trade restrictions that suddenly decrease the supply of raw 

materials or parts needed by manufacturers. 

Congress can make infinite adjustments to the tax code – 

effectively picking economic winners and losers by eliminating 

tax deductions for some businesses and creating new credits 

for other industries. Closer to home, a local governing board 

can institute zoning rules that put a property out of reach for 

a business operation. 

I am not suggesting that government is inherently bad or 

always a menace. Indeed, especially on the local level, it 

provides vital services such as public safety. But the business 

community needs to vigorously guard against unnecessary 

encroachments on the free enterprise system that has made 

America strong. 

How do we do this? By educating ourselves. 

Yes, that means that after a long day at the office, we all need 

to take time to watch or read the news and find out candidates’ 

stances toward the business community. In this time of social 

media and sound bites, we can easily be swayed from making 

truly informed decisions. Talk to your neighbors; talk to other 

business leaders. Make time to attend a local debate or 

candidate forum. When you 

encounter a candidate in 

public, take time to present 

– politely! – the challenges 

and opportunities facing the 

business community. 

Believe me – they want to 

hear from you. In fact…it is 

critical that they hear from 

you. 

The Virginia Chamber 

of Commerce website 

Bill Hession is Chairman of the 

Board of the Fredericksburg 

Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

www.vachamber.com/advocacy, provides a source for 

information on Virginia policy and politics. Their advocacy 

page, Bills We’re Watching, publishes all legislation pertinent 

to business. They provide short, concise summaries of each 

bill, along with the Chamber’s “thumbs-up” or “thumbsdown” 

position. 

We utilize several methods of discussions with our elected 

leaders, and are available to answer their questions about 

issues in the business community. 

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 

Legislative Affairs Committee is consisting of local business 

leaders who meet to discuss relevant issues, pending legislation, 

and the business community’s priorities. We invite you attend 

our upcoming Community Conversations. Recently, we held a 

conversation forum on transportation with Congressman Rob 

Wittman. Our next series will be with Lieutenant Governor 

Ralph Northam and Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner. 

The Chamber has become an active and outspoken advocate 

for common sense policies benefiting our region. We need 

your continued involvement to stay the path. Contact Kasey 

Nabal, Chamber Legislative Affairs Manager at 540-373- 

9400, e-mail: Kasey@fredericksburgchamber.org. Join us! 

Joye Marsh receives Chamber's annual award 

Congratulations to Joye Marsh, Coldwell Banker Commercial Elite for 

being named 2016 Professional Administrator of the Year. “Because of 

her heart, she thrives in customer and client service.” 

The award was presented at the Day Luncheon sponsored by At Once 

Staffing. Finalists: Tamra Corbeau, Fredericksburg Christian School; 

Theresa Dove, Atlantic Green Plumbing & Electrical, LLC; Lisa Lambert, 

Spotsylvania Education Foundation; and Jessica Smith, Kelly Generator 

and Equipment. 

Congratulations! 

Ben Keddie, Joye Marsh, Greg Calvert and J.R. Flatter. 

4 

Fredericksburg Regional Business 

MAY/JUNE 2016

Leadership Fredericksburg: 

Producing new leaders, one year at a time 

Feature 

By Dawn Haun 

The excitement of graduation is starting for those who 

are reaching the last stages of their education voyages, 

anxiously ready to go out into the real world. This 

month, the Chamber will hold a graduation ceremony for its 

ninth Leadership Fredericksburg class. 

Now with more than 200 graduates, Leadership Fredericksburg 

has continued to fill the need of leadership for this community. 

But not to be confused, this program isn’t for people to learn 

how to be a leader; instead it’s for leaders to grow to be even 

stronger leaders. This program provides the opportunity to 

develop practical leadership skills and build integrity. 

Class members include a cross-section of representatives from 

local corporations, industries, government agencies, and nonprofits. 

Graduates not only excel in their organizations, they 

also have a passion for their business community. 

The nine-month journey –-once a month, for a full day-- 

includes a Leadership Multi-rater Assessment of Personality 

(LMAP) 360 which gathers the feedback from each fellow’s 

peers, co-workers, and bosses. The assessment helped Barry 

Waldman in 2013 when his results indicated he needed 

to focus on the inter-personal side of his leadership. He is 

chairman of the Leadership Advisory Board and a shareholder 

in Jarrell, Hicks & Waldman, P.C. “It allowed me to see where 

my leadership growth needed to head,” Waldman said. The 

“Crucial Conversations” skill set allowed me to address the 

needs of others in a constructive fashion where behavior was 

not matching the need.” 

Providing the opportunity to network, meet 

extraordinary people, and make life-long friends. 

Success of the leadership program, in part, is due to the high 

caliber of individuals who volunteer to facilitate, speak, and 

mentor. These community leaders impact the students and 

inspire them on their pathway of leadership. Dr. David Sam, 

President of Germanna Community College, and Rick Hurley, 

President of University of Mary Washington, are 

guest speakers every year. 

They each share different leadership twists and 

turns, even though their positions are parallel. 

“I explain my leadership and career journey 

experiences and how important to learn 

teamwork, ethical leadership, mentoring 

and coaching, communication, 

empowering colleagues, and 

just being real.” said Sam. 

“There has been a great 

fulfillment for me serving as a 

mentor for the program.” 

Hurley likes telling about how 

Leadership Advisory Board, front left: Leigh Snyder, Leadership 

Fredericksburg Board Vice Chairman and Susan Spears, Executive 

Director. Back left: Denny Fallon, Chairman of the Mentor Program, 

Barry Waldman, Chair Leadership Advisory Board, and Brian 

Morgan, Leadership Fredericksburg Alumni President. 

unusual his background and upbringing is for a university 

president. “My story captures the attention of the students 

and hopefully they pick up on the messages embedded in the 

narrative,” he said. 

Both have encouraged their leadership staff to apply for the 

program. “I have always believed that employees should be 

rewarded for wanting to improve their skills. These training 

sessions are practical and beneficial for them,” Hurley said. 

“The contacts our employees make, coupled with the skills 

they learn, only benefit the institution in the end.” 

Ted Hontz, Retired Navy Captain and Vice President of Basic 

Commerce and Industries, has spoken to the class every year. “I 

find that speaking to the Leadership Fredericksburg class each 

year is energizing on several levels,” Hontz said. “Leading up to 

my presentation, I think about leadership in a focused manner 

because the time limits to discuss a topic that is inherently 

complex and diffuse. Mostly, I enjoy the room full of interested 

and attentive class members, all of whom are or will be leaders 

in the community.” 

Denny Fallon, Chairman of the Mentor Program, explains the 

mentoring aspect of Leadership Fredericksburg as an important 

dimension that clearly differentiates it from other related 

programs. “The mentor-to-fellow relationship begins to build 

a common foundation of what the whole program offers,” 

he said. “Most of the mentors, being fellows themselves, can 

relate immediately and empathetically to where their fellows 

are in both their Leadership Fredericksburg journey and in 

their own leadership development journey.” 

Continued to page 25 


Feature 

Kyle Allwine elected 2016 Class President 

By Dawn Haun 

“If you have leadership abilities, 

you are obligated to use those 

for the betterment of the 

community.” This quote was told to the 

Leadership Fredericksburg 2016 class, 

from J.R. Flatter, facilitator. It was the 

catalyst for fellow Kyle Allwine. 

In the beginning, Allwine hesitated to 

apply for the leadership development 

class, uncertain if he had the qualities 

and experience to be accepted into the 

program. 

Kyle is assistant director of Graduate 

Admissions at the University of Mary 

Washington. The 25-year-old MBA 

graduate of UMW said “I had taken a 

few courses on leadership as part of the 

MBA, so I thought I could learn more 

from Leadership Fredericksburg. I 100% 

hesitated because I didn’t think I was 

enough of a leader.” 

He applied and was accepted into the 

2016 class. Obviously his talents as a 

leader emerged because before the year 

ended, his classmates elected him Class 

President. He now has the distinction 

Kyle Allwine is the LF ’16 Class President 

and the youngest to be elected. 

of being the youngest Leadership 

Fredericksburg Class President. 

Kyle says being named Leadership 

Fredericksburg’s 2016 Class President is 

an honor. “It doesn’t matter what your 

title or position is within a company, 

but it’s your actions that make you a 

leader,” he said. 

One of the class assignments is to write 

your story about the life moments that 

led to where you are today. It was a 

difficult task for Kyle, but he realized 

in the end, your life moments will 

lead you to today. “It was difficult to 

write about yourself, let alone, share it 

with your classmates,” said Allwine. In 

part, he credits his parents, Kenny and 

Sherrie Allwine, for showing him their 

determination and drive. His dad taught 

him how to own and operate a business 

as a second-generation commercial 

roofer; his mother influenced him 

with her successful political campaign, 

running against a 30-year incumbent 

for a seat on the King George County 

School Board. 

Kyle describes himself as optimistic and 

outgoing. According to his RightPath 

Assessment-which gives individuals key 

insights for understanding themselveshe 

was defined as a “Networker.” The 

RightPath tool identifies this as “one who 

works well with individuals, is patient, 

loyal, team-oriented, and passionate 

about their work”. Regarding his LMAP 

360 rater assessment, Kyle further 

noted “People viewed me as a leader 

in some roles, and saw strengths in me 

that I didn’t see in myself. 

Ironically, he was paired with mentor, 

James Roberson, LF ’15 Class President. 

“It was nice to have someone who went 

through the same steps of crafting a 

mission statement, working on the class 

project, and personal evaluations,” said 

Allwine. “Having James’ example of 

leadership at my fingertips gave me the 

confidence to find my true self.” 

Roberson happened to be visiting the 

class on the day they were voting for 

class president. “It’s been my honor 

to mentor Kyle during this session of 

James Roberson served as mentor to Kyle 

Allwine and also LF ’15 Class President. 

“Interestingly, Kyle is 

the youngest President 

elected in the LF 

program to date. 

This speaks volumes to 

his professionalism and 

natural leadership ability. 

The more time I spend 

with Kyle I’ve found 

myself learning from 

him, more than I’ve 

been able to teach.” 

–James Roberson, 

LF ’15 Class President 

Leadership Fredericksburg,” he said. 

“It’s extraordinary to hear what the 

fellows said about Kyle; his excitement 

for the program, dedication, positivity 

and outlook on life were all mentioned.” 

The Leadership Fredericksburg 

experience changed Kyle’s way of 

thinking. Now each morning before 

work, he reminds himself of his personal 

leadership development plan and the 

goals he prioritized in it. “I come into 

each day with a clear understanding 

of what to accomplish,” he said. “I 

understand what is most important to 

me, and I have established a vision of 

how to get there. I am confident that 

Leadership Fredericksburg has prepared 

me for my leadership career. 

6 



FROM THE COVER: 

Proven successful, Leadership Fredericksburg alumni 

give back 

Feature 

By Dawn Haun 

The keys to successful leadership are presented in a 

simplified and unforgettable way. It may be by a beautiful 

photograph, a success story, an inspirational movie, or 

a motivational quote. Leadership Fredericksburg Alumni are 

shaped through these lessons, instilling the characteristics and 

responsibilities of a leader. 

Leaders help others grow 

When Janel Donohue, LF’08, was approached by her 

supervisor to apply for Leadership Fredericksburg in 2007, 

she came up with excuses not to. “I couldn’t afford the 

time and energy to participate,” she said. She was juggling 

work, two children, and running a business with her husband 

Michael. Her boss’ response made her think again: “Janel, 

you can’t afford NOT to. Just do it.” Her supervisor knew she 

showed the characteristics of a leader, but needed to learn 

more for her position as Director of Resource Development at 

Rappahannock United Way. 

So Janel stretched her schedule, decided to apply, and was 

accepted in the inaugural Leadership Fredericksburg class. The 

Mentor Program was the component which helped her the 

most. “We were a perfect match,” said Janel. “He saw my 

weaknesses, excuses and my blind spots. He taught me to 

think and act differently, and to be more effective personally 

and professionally. The diverse leaders who contribute to 

Leadership Fredericksburg community are unique.” 

Since graduating, Janel’s career immediately advanced to Vice 

President of Resource Development and later, to President 

of Rappahannock United Way. “I am stronger and better 

equipped as a leader,” said Janel. “My career growth has 

aided me to support the community.” 

Earning Respect Is a Leadership Skill 

Rose Heyward, LF’09, is the human resource director for 

Spotsylvania County. She has a wide range of duties overseeing 

the administrative tasks that revolve around personnel 

functions, such as recruiting, interviewing, hiring and training. 

As a fellow in the program, she was challenged to be her 

best and become an authentic leader. “It’s not prescriptive,” 

she said. “ You are not taught how to be a leader based on 

a set of characteristics; but how to be your best so you can 

effectively lead.” 

Since Leadership Fredericksburg, Rose has received a 

professional certification in coaching, advanced her career to 

a director level, and started a small business. “I attribute my 

recent accomplishments to my skills refined and connections 

made through Leadership Fredericksburg,” said Rose. 

Pave Your Way to the Top with Leadership 

Skills Training 

When you’re ready to hone your leadership skills, it makes 

sense to learn from a proven leader. 

Ben Keddie’s experience in the program opened his eyes 

to strengthen his effectiveness as a leader. Ben, LF’10, Vice 

President of Commercial Division at Coldwell Banker Elite, 

was impacted by the high-caliber of community leaders 

who helped mentor and share their leadership talents with 

the class. Since graduating from the class, Ben mentors and 

shares his own career experiences to the new classes. 

“Exercising leadership is what increases your effectiveness 

as a leader,” said Ben. “Selfishly, I found a personal and 

Continued to page 25 

Rose Heyward, Tom Schoedel, Janel Donohue, and Ben Keddie. 


Transportation 

Federal grants could help ‘unlock’ Fredericksburg area road congestion 

‘Atlantic Gateway’ funds would expand express lanes, finance River Crossing and boost rail 

By Scott Shenk/The Free Lance-Star 

Big planned improvements along the Interstate 95 corridor 

from Northern Virginia to Spotsylvania County could come 

faster if the state gets money it is seeking from two federal 

grants. 

The Virginia Department of Transportation and the Department 

of Rail and Public Transit recently announced that the state is 

tossing its hat into the ring for some $1.5 billion from two grants 

that, if won, could go toward the expansion of the express 

lanes, the construction of the northbound Rappahannock 

River Crossing project and rail improvements. 

The state is grouping the projects the grants would fund as 

the “Atlantic Gateway,” a plan to “unlock” the gridlock along 

the Interstate 95 corridor, according to a recent presentation. 

There’s no guarantee the state will win funds from the Fastlane 

and Tiger grants, but transportation officials are optimistic 

about the approach, at the very least. 

“It’s a good thing,” said Hap Connors, the Fredericksburg 

area’s representative on the Commonwealth Transportation 

Board. “It shows [transportation planners] are trying to be 

proactive . . . in an outdated system.” 

Del. Mark Dudenhefer, a former Stafford County supervisor 

who has spent years pushing for transportation improvements 

in the region, agreed with the potential benefits. He also 

touted work already completed and projects in the pipeline. 

“It’s amazing what’s going on, much better than 10 years 

ago,” he said. “Don’t know if we’ll get the [grant] money, but 

if we do, that would be a big shot in the arm.” 

If the state gets funding from the grants, two major area 

projects would benefit. 

The money would be used to expand the express lanes north 

to the Pentagon and south to U.S. 17 in Stafford. 

There already are plans to extend the express lanes north on 

Interstate 395 and about two miles south of what is now a 

troubled merge with regular lanes at Garrisonville. 

If the express lanes are extended to U.S. 17, that would possibly 

allow them to tap into the planned Rappahannock River 

Crossing, which would add collector–distributor lanes for local 

traffic along I-95 between U.S. 17 and State Route 3. 

The southbound portion of the crossing project is expected 

to win funding in the state’s new prioritization program. 

The northbound crossing project did not score well, so it 

isn’t expected to get funding in the first round of the new 

prioritization program. 

But it the state gets the grant money, it could help pay for the 

northbound crossing project and accelerate its construction. 

The grant money could also be a boon for rail travelers, 

including Virginia Railway Express commuters. 

According to VDOT and DRPT, the grants could be used for 

the addition of an eight-mile stretch of third track in Fairfax 

County and proposed improvements to the Long Bridge, which 

is a bottleneck for train traffic crossing the Potomac River into 

Washington. 

Transportation Update 

The Chamber’s Regional Transportation Action Committee 

(RTAC) is busy advocating for transportation solutions for 

the region! Hitting the ground running since January, the 

Committee has met with Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner 

and Congressman Rob Wittman. RTAC has been relentless in 

meeting with others like State Senator Scott Surovell and State 

Delegates Mark Cole and Mark Dudenhefer, hosting meetings 

and putting forth communications on its policy positions. 

The Committee will continue its pace throughout the 

remainder of the year and is set to meet with Aubrey Layne, 

Virginia Secretary of Transportation, and Charlie Kilpatrick, 

Commissioner of VDOT, in May and Lt. Governor Ralph 

Northam later in the summer. 

What is our top priority? We need to create funding for local 

transportation projects to ease congestion and increase quality 

of life for those who live and work or own a business in the 

region. Help us better advocate for these solutions by sharing 

your frustrations and stories with us. Have you been stuck at 

a light for more than one cycle? Have you sat in traffic during 

a two- hour commute? Have you been late picking up a child 

from school? Then, we need to hear from you! 

RTAC will be hosting a Transportation Report in June, at which 

we will present constituents’ stories and the results from a 

recent transportation survey. Local and state officials will be 

present and we plan to hold an open and honest dialogue 

with the audience. Call the Chamber for more information at 

540-373-9400. 

8 



UMW Joint Land 

Use Study (JLUS) 

Intern Team 

presents to MAC 

Military Affairs 

Council 

News 

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce 

Military Affairs Council (MAC) received a presentation 

from three of its four interns, all geographic information 

system (GIS) students at the University of Mary Washington 

(UMW) at their March Board of Directors meeting. 

The MAC’s UMW JLUS Intern Team was created during the 

Fall 2015 semester for the purpose of producing a regional 

JLUS that incorporates data from U.S. Army Garrison Fort 

A.P. Hill, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Naval Support 

Facility Dahlgren, and the surrounding localities. To date, 

data collection and mapping efforts have been focused on 

three target areas: noise, traffic and urban development. 

Left to right: Matt Whipple (’18), Luci Coleman (’16), Meredith 

Gregory (‘18), Nate Dawes (’14; current masters student) 

This presentation was the culmination of two semester’s 

worth of data collection and mapping, which was no easy 

accomplishment. To obtain the data used for mapping, 

the students contacted military installation commanders 

and public affairs officers as well as county administrators, 

boards of supervisors and more. Most data was given 

freely and enthusiastically, demonstrating a regional sense 

of cooperation and community spirit. 

The MAC hopes that this Regional JLUS Project will allow 

it to better advocate for the local bases and defense 

community within Planning District 16, presenting helpful 

data and visual maps to decision makers at the local, state, 

and federal levels. 

“Having tangible data that directly supports our mission 

of advocacy for the local military and defense community 

is invaluable, and the UMW interns knocked it out of the 

park,” said Mike Hudson, MAC chairman. “The reaction 

from our board, in response to the interns’ presentation, 

was very enthusiastic. We’re thankful to have this 

relationship with UMW and look forward to the next stage 

of their study and analysis.” 

This is the first regional study of its kind in the 

Commonwealth and, potentially, in the nation. The 

Virginia Department of Veterans and Defense Affairs is 

considering doing a statewide JLUS. 

A total of five interns from the University of Mary 

Washington have worked on the Regional JLUS Project 

since September 2015. They have been guided by mentor, 

Dan Choike of Marstel-Day, and supervisor, Kasey Nabal of 

the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. 


Tech Trends 

6 Critical Integrated 

Digital Marketing Strategies 

By Scot Small 

Integrated digital marketing is a slam-dunk strategy approach 

that enables you and your business to be where your potential 

customers are online. 

The goal of integrated digital marketing shouldn’t be to do 

everything. The goal is to focus on where your potential 

customers are found, create an objective that focuses on 

marketing the campaign wholly, and then look at how you 

can deliver the right information at the right time. 

Scot Small 

Let’s take a look at 6 possible strategies you may want to 

consider with their basic definitions: 

• 

Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Ranking your site in search 

engines for relevant keyword terms, phrases and subjects. 

• 

Paid Search (PPC). PPC, sometimes referred to as Search Engine 

Marketing (SEM), involves paid ads in Google, Bing, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter 

and others. 

• 

Content Marketing. Providing content to prospects that helps them 

along the decision path to become your customer. 

• 

Design. Must have focus of converting prospects to customers. Not winning 

design awards. 

• 

Social Media Marketing. Reaching out and engaging your 

customers, prospects and supporters on social media channels. 

• 

Mobile 

Marketing. Connecting with your target market via mobile 

phones. Either through apps, texts, and ads. 

To best understand how the “integration part of this works let me walk you through an 

example of someone looking for a service from an Heating and Air company. 

Suzy Q has the need for a new HVAC unit. She goes to Google and searches for 

“HVAC Company in Fredericksburg.” She finds “XYZ HVAC” because they are properly 

optimized for organic search. However, she is not ready to decide, so she goes back to 

the search and visits a second HVAC company. But lunch is over. 

At home she gets on her Facebook to catch up on the days happenings and what 

does she see – an ad for XYZ in her newsfeed for XYZ. Still not ready, she decides to 

do another search in Bing, she sees an ad (paid) at the top of the page and clicks, and 

bingo she is back on the XYZ page once again. Now, Suzy Q is hard to convince, so she 

goes to Yahoo answers to get more info. While there, she sees an ad for a guide to “7 

critical questions to ask before hiring an HVAC company” – perfect she thinks and she 

downloads it. (It happens to be from XYZ HVAC) 

She calls XYZ HVAC. The magic of integrated digital marketing at work. 

With proper planning you can deliver to your potential clients the information they need 

to decide to call you. Isn’t that what you want as a small business owner? 

Guided by one his favorite songs “The Impossible Dream” Scot is constantly reaching for the 

unreachable star. It’s this passion for success and achievement that drives him to create success 

for RevBuilders Marketing and its clients. Scot founded RevBuilders Marketing in 2002 and it 

provides an integrated approach to SEO, SEM, SMM, web design and marketing automation 

services. Scot currently serves on the advisory board of the Middleburg Bank. Find him at 

@scotsmall or revbuilders.com 

LIGHTS, CAMERA, 

ACTION 

Video content will take 

over in 2016 - 

Companies are finding 

that video content leads 

to greater customer engagement 

with consumers. Many companies 

will soon consider video to be a 

must-have in their marketing plan. 

MOBILE WINS 

Mobile over everything 

- Mobile consumption 

continues to dominate 

the desktop. Therefore, we 

are seeing brands develop 

strategies that aim to appeal 

to mobile consumers across 

various mobile devices. 

VIRTUAL REALITY 

TAKES THE STAGE 

Virtual reality is ready for 

take off - Up to this point, 

it has gained traction 

primarily among gamers, but we’ll 

begin to see it emerge in other 

industries as well. Virtual reality can 

change the way we view content and 

introduce the world to a brand new 

digital medium, thus making it more 

viable to integrate marketing plans 

into the virtual world. 

INTERACTIVE CONTENT 

Content quality over quantity – 

Google’s algorithm updates are 

continuing to reward content 

based on its value to the readers 

who are searching for particular 

topics. Much like video, blogs 

will continue to be a great outlet 

for grands to interact with their 

community, showcase their 

personal voices, and increase 

their SEO. 

LIVE STREAMING 

EVOLVES 

Webcasts will continue to 

evolve – Apps like Periscope, 

Meerkat, and Snapchat 

popularized live streaming in 2015. Your 

favorite celebrities, events, and sports 

teams are being live-streamed in the 

palm of your hand. Even the White House 

decided to join the “Discover” section of 

Snapchat. 2016 will be the year we see 

more interprises start to incorporate live 

streaming into their marketing plan. 

LOCATION SERVICES AND 

THE IOT 

The Internet of Things (IoT) and 

location-based services (LBS) will 

continue to change the consumer 

experience – Brands are utilizing IoT 

and LBS to execute real-time marketing 

strategies and reach out to consumers in 

new and exciting ways. For example, Waze is a popular example of 

an app that uses LBS to benefit its consumers by providing real-time 

data and incentives. And IoT devices, such as home automation tools 

and other solutions, will give marketers insight on consumer behavior 

from data collected, enabling them to tailor their strategies towards 

specific consumers. 

10 



HR Matters 

The Emerging Frontier: The protection 

of LGBT employees in the workplace 

By: Randy C. Sparks, Jr., 

Kaufman & Canoles, P.C. 

North Carolina recently set off a fire 

storm with the passage of a law that 

bans individuals from using public 

facilities that do not correspond to their 

biological sex and prohibits localities, like 

the City of Charlotte, from implementing 

local non-discrimination laws. Viewed 

Randy C. Sparks, Jr. 

by many as anti-LGBT legislation, many 

businesses have denounced the law; PayPal even announced 

the cancellation of plans to build a global operations center 

in Charlotte. On the other side, however, Mississippi enacted 

a similar law that allows churches, religious charities, and 

privately owned businesses to decline to provide services to 

people if doing so would violate religious beliefs, and Georgia 

toyed with a similar law until receiving pressure from the 

entertainment industry and the NFL. One thing is clear – the 

issue of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) rights is 

a very emotional issue, engendering strong feelings on both 

sides. 

This is nothing new for employers; they deal with strong 

emotional issues on a daily basis. But, employers still struggle 

with their legal obligations to LGBT employees. And, for 

good reason – the law in this area is less than clear and 

frequently changes with governmental proclamations and 

court decisions. For example, in one of his first acts, Governor 

McAuliffe issued an executive order prohibiting discrimination 

on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity by the 

state government; however, the Virginia Human Rights Act 

applicable to private employers in Virginia contains no such 

prohibition. Despite the uncertainty, the past few years have 

brought us the following guidelines for employers: 

Make sure your benefits and policies are updated 

to include same-sex spouses. Last summer, the U.S. 

Supreme Court ruled that states must issue marriage 

licenses for and recognize same-sex marriages. As a result, 

any benefit plans covered by ERISA (i.e., the federal law 

regulating employee benefits, such as retirement plans 

and group health insurance) must provide for benefits for 

same-sex spouses. And, employee leave laws, such as the 

Family and Medical Leave Act, require employers to provide 

leave for covered situations involving same-sex spouses. 

Which bathroom should transgender employees 

use? At first glance, this seems to be a simple issue; 

however, over the past few years, the question of which 

bathroom an employee must use is cropping up with 

greater frequency. So much so, that it actually went up to 

a federal appellate court for decision. The Fourth Circuit 

(which has jurisdiction over Virginia) recently decided that 

federal law requires public schools to allow transgender 

students to use the restroom that corresponds to his/her 

gender identity, rather than his/her biological sex. OSHA, 

EEOC, and OFCCP – all federal agencies having some 

oversight of the employment relationship – have all taken 

similar stances, issuing guidelines advising that employees 

should be allowed to use the restroom that matches their 

gender identity. EEOC and OFCCP have even stated their 

view that prohibiting an employee from using the restroom 

corresponding to his/her gender identity constitutes 

unlawful discrimination. 

Federal employment discrimination laws are being 

expanded to cover sexual orientation and gender 

identity discrimination. No federal law expressly 

prohibits discrimination based on “sexual orientation” 

or “gender identity.” However, Title VII (which applies 

to companies with 15 or more employees) prohibits 

discrimination because of “sex.” The federal government 

takes the position that the term “sex” encompasses 

gender identity and sexual orientation. In fact, the EEOC’s 

Strategic Enforcement Plan identifies the coverage of 

LGBT employees under Title VII’s prohibitions as one of 

its present enforcement priorities and has filed litigation 

alleging transgender discrimination on behalf of at least 

three individuals. And, earlier this year, the EEOC filed its 

first two cases alleging sexual orientation discrimination. 

Federal government contractors cannot discriminate 

against employees and applicants on the basis of 

sexual orientation and/or gender identity. In July 

2014, President Obama issued Executive Order 13672, 

prohibiting government contractors from discriminating 


against employees and applicants on the basis of sexual 

orientation and gender identity. Covered federal contractors 

are not required to collect and report statistics on the 

hiring of LGBT employees as part of its affirmative action 

requirements, but they are required to take steps to ensure 

that LGBT employees and applicants are provided with equal 

employment opportunities and to ensure that the nondiscrimination 

provisions in their contracts, subcontracts, and 

job postings are amended to cover sexual orientation and 

gender identity. 

While LGBT issues will continue to be an evolving, and often 

divisive, mix of opinions and views, it is clear that, at least in the 

workplace, we are dealing with traditional ideas of equality and 

fair treatment. Make no mistake -- employers should expect 

to see more changes and more protection of LGBT employees 

in the workplace. However, employers who remember and 

abide by the notions of equal employment opportunity and 

non-discrimination will have fewer difficulties navigating this 

emerging frontier. 

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees often 

face unique challenges at their places of employment. 

Randy is an attorney with the Kaufman & Canoles Labor and 

Employment Practice Group and the Legislative Affairs Representative 

of the Fredericksburg Regional SHRM chapter. He has been named to 

The Best Lawyers in America – Labor and Employment from 2010- 

2016 and to Virginia Super Lawyers in 2015 and 2016 for Employee 

Litigation: Defense. 

Contact Stafford Printing 

for information on 

advertising and inserts 

in Fredericksburg 

Regional Business 

chamber@staffordprinting.com 

2707 Jefferson Davis Hwy. 

Stafford, VA 22554 

540.659.4554 

888.745.2265 • cbtc.com 

12 



Feature 

#GreenBiz2016 

FREDERICKSBURG REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 

2016Green Business 

CHALLENGE 

Friendly competition to save dollars and the environment 

By Kasey Nabal, FRCC Government & Military Affairs Director 

The Chamber’s first Green Business Challenge is in battle 

mode. The “Green” competitors are various in size and 

industry type; ranging from a beauty salon to a car 

dealership, a defense contractor and two local churches. This 

is indicative of our community concerned about how their 

business affects the environment. 

How about another bonus of being green? Saving money on 

your business’ bottom line! 

There are 15 competitors in the year-long challenge who 

compete in categories of: energy, leadership, purchasing, 

transportation, water, and waste reduction. The Chamber 

is hosting green workshops featuring industry specialists 

throughout the year and a final awards event to showcase 

the Challenge’s winners. 

Some of the steps in the competition are simple tasks such as 

“review a year’s worth of water utility bills” and “have staff 

participate in a community sustainability event (e.g. Earth Day, 

tree planting with Tree Fredericksburg, volunteering with Friends 

of the Rappahannock).” Also, by encouraging employees to 

ride their bike to work or use refillable water pitchers instead of 

bottled water at the office can save money and reduce waste. 

All save money and positively affect bottom lines! 

Another important aspect of this competition is the 

interactive workshops. So far, competitors have participated 

in a roundtable discussion on leadership and water. They 

learn creative ways to share their story; how water is wasted 

and its business costs, and how to conduct a self-water 

audit. These discussions allow the competitors to learn from 

the professionals and each other. By sharing activities and 

initiatives with others on social media promotes business and 

good green habits to others in our community. 

The Chamber and participants bring awareness to the smaller 

tasks to start saving money and the environment. These 

local businesses are not only bettering our environment and 

bringing green awareness to others in the region, but are 

noticing the money saved by making small changes in the 

way they do business. 

There is still time to join the competition if you are interested 

in putting dollars back in your pocket and bettering the 

community and the environment. 

Call 540-373-9400 or visit 

http://www.fredericksburgchamber.org/Green-Initiative 

to find out more! 

SPONSORS 

Marstel-Day Germanna Community College 

Stafford Printing Rappahannock Electric Cooperative 

COMPETITORS 

Arts & Flowers 

City of Fredericksburg 

Fredericksburg Today 

River Rock Outfitter 

Salon 730 

Stevenson Ridge 

Teakwood Enterprises 

Unifirst Loc 288 

Basic Commerce Industries 

Mercedes Benz of Fredericksburg 

Mazda & Volkswagen of Fred’burg 

Rosner Collision Center 

St. George’s Episcopal Church 

Volvo Cars of Fredericksburg 

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of 

Fredericksburg 

Join the Challenge! 

The 2016 Green Business Challenge started in January 

and is a year-long business competition that includes 

workshops and events on how to green your business. 

Participating businesses within Planning District 

16—which includes the City of Fredericksburg and 

the Counties of Caroline, King George, Stafford 

and Spotsylvania—will choose to compete in up 

to six categories: Energy, Leadership, Purchasing, 

Transportation, Waste Management and Water. 

At the end of 2016, we will host an awards event and 

present awards to winners in each category as well as an 

overall Challenge winner. 

For more information, contact Kasey at 540-373-9508 

or e-mail Kasey@FredericksburgChamber.org 


Looking Inside... 

GEICO Insurance … It’s What They Do 

By Dawn Haun 

As you drive down Route 17 west in 

Stafford County, pass the Wawa store 

and in a mile ahead you will see a large 

building with mirrored windows, and on 

the top of the building are letters that 

spell GEICO. As you enter the building 

in Stafford County, its enormous scope 

and bustling groups of people flowing 

in and out, can be a bit intimidating. 

One can only imagine the nervousness 

of a potential employee, going for a 

job interview at the largest employer in 

Stafford County, GEICO Insurance. 

There’s a constant hustle as employees 

scramble for elevator space to get to 

another floor in the building. Showcases 

throughout the departments hold 

photos of hundreds of employees 

celebrating a milestone or volunteering 

at a charity event. Oh, and not to miss 

posters of the company’s gecko mascot. 

Just turn on 

the television 

or radio, and 

chances are 

within 15 

minutes you 

will hear or 

see a GEICO 

Insurance 

commercial. 

T h e i r 

advertising 

campaigns 

contain 

surreal humor 

and satire, 

GEICO provides on–site 

that it dares 

amenities for their employees, 

such as, fitness center, outside you not to 

recreation areas, cafeteria, watch it. 

convenience store and GEICO has 

banking at GEICO Federal produced 

Credit Union. 

many wellknown 

ad campaigns and are the top 

favorite for many viewers. A personal 

favorite is when Tarzan fights over 

directions with Jane when they are lost 

in the jungle, “It’s What You Do.” 

Other spots in the latest campaign, 

“It’s What You Do,” include a mom 

who always calls her son at the 

worst possible time to vent about his 

dad; the band Europe singing “Final 

Countdown” to a microwave; and a 

pair of golf announcers whispering, 

even as a player gets devoured by a 

Kraken—no more directly related to car 

insurance than alligators or geckos, but 

great for underlining Geico’s value in 

entertaining and memorable ways. 

GEICO, (The Government Employees 

Insurance Company) is considered the 

fastest growing auto insurer in the 

U.S., and the choice of more than 14 

million customers. They have a regional 

office site in Stafford County, one of 

14 regional sites that support GEICO’s 

overall business. They are also the 

second-largest insurance company in 

Virginia second to State Farm. 

The 44-acre campus is located on Rte. 

17, just a few miles from Interstate 95, 

and accessible to the FREDericksburg 

Regional Transit system. The site is 

home to several of GEICO company 

operations including GEICO auto 

insurance, GEICO commercial auto 

insurance, GEICO Insurance Agency 

and GEICO National Print Mail Center. 

Other insurance coverages offered are 

renters, boat, motorcycle, and business 

insurance. Last year, GEICO rolled out 

a new product to meet the insurance 

coverage needs of ridesharing drivers 

in Virginia. GEICO’s ridesharing product 

covers drivers that Uber (UberX and 

UberXL), Lyft, Sidecar and others have 

approved to drive for them. It replaces 

the driver’s personal auto policy and 

provides coverage both for personal 

and ridesharing use. 

Odds are that someone you know has 

worked at GEICO. In the 22 years Geico 

has been in Stafford, its employee base 

has steadily increased. They started with 

1800 employees when the Stafford 

office opened and added 2,000 more 

positions throughout the 20 years to 

currently employing 3800 associates, 

becoming one of the largest regional 

operation centers for GEICO. 

Before 1992, GEICO had local sites 

at Shannon Office Park and then at 

Riverside Business Park. When GEICO 

was ready to expand, they chose the 

Stafford County location to build the 

five-story, 370,000-square-feet office 

building. It took two years to build. 

Providing opportunities for 

long-term careers. 

Many associates begin their GEICO 

career with an entry-level position and 

Customer service associates Shannon 

Robinson (left), and Nikki Lewis (right). 

14 



advance to higher positions. Associates 

are encouraged and supported in 

pursuing professional goals they set. 

GEICO offers tuition reimbursement and 

on-site resources to get an insurance 

title. “We are an employer that provides 

opportunities for employees to grow 

into long-term careers,” said Theresa 

Livelsberger, GEICO Human Resources 

Director. “100% of the supervisory 

staff started in entry-level positions. Our 

company offers competitive starting 

salaries, industry-leading training, and 

a comprehensive Total Rewards benefits 

program and career advancement 

without the commute to Washington, 

D.C., or Northern Virginia.” 

The Human Resources department at 

GEICO is an active department, working 

diligently to attend to the questions and 

needs of the nearly 4,000 employees. 

Recruitment is high demand, and the 

department handles all of the hiring 

and interviews in-house. They plan to 

fill nearly 700 positions this year. 

Training programs for college 

graduates to fast-track into 

management 

GEICO offers two programs for college 

graduates to learn the ropes and move 

into management. Employees in the 

Management Development Program 

a fast-track to management program 

learn about one of the major insurance 

operations with on-the-job training, 

development seminars, and mentoring, 

coaching, and real life business projects. 

At the end of the program, employees 

receive their professional insurance 

license and are prepared to manage a 

team of associates. 

The Emerging Leaders Program is a 

selective program to train employees for 

Operations Management or Information 

Technology. Emerging leaders gain 

a complete view of GEICO’s overall 

business or IT operations through indepth 

job rotations, hands-on training, 

mentoring by executives, and leadership 

training. 

GEICO and employees give to 

the community 

GEICO is the Rappahannock United Way’s 

highest contributor for 2015, with a 

corporate gift of over $259,000, bringing 

their total campaign to $1,058,951. 

“This makes GEICO a million dollar 

workplace campaign for two years 

running,” said Janel Donohue, President 

of Rappahannock United Way, at the 

presentation last month. 

GEICO employees have been giving 

their time and donations to the local 

community since establishing roots 

here in 1990,” said Talbert. “We have 

partnered with the schools and nonprofits. 

The Rappahannock United Way 

is an important part of our community. 

Associates also support Relay for Life, 

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 

American Red Cross, Cystic Fibrosis 

Foundation, Fredericksburg SPCA and 

the Annual Car Seat Safety Campaign. 

Our civic involvement extends to the 

Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of 

Commerce and Fredericksburg Regional 

Alliance.” 

Earlier this spring GEICO partnered 

with the Marine Corps Marathon and 

offered a 15% discount on registration 

to active duty and reserves. 2,500 

members of the military took advantage 

of the discounted registration, it is now 

sold out. “The upcoming marathon 

is one of many successful marketing 

opportunities we use to grow our brand 

in the marketplace,” said Talbert. 

GEICO was recognized as 2013 “Best 

Places to Work in Virginia” by Virginia 

Business and Best Companies Group. 

It’s what they do. 

AT A GLANCE: 

• GEICO’s Fredericksburg office opened 

in 1994. 

• Fredericksburg started with 1800 

associates at the Stafford County site. 

• Stafford County office is one of the 

largest regional operation centers for 

GEICO. 

• Currently Stafford employs more than 

3,300 associates. 

• Largest employer in Stafford County. 

• Recognized as 2013 Best Places to 

Work in Virginia by Virginia Business 

and Best Companies Group. 

• In 1996, after many years as a 

publicly traded firm, GEICO became a 

wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire 

Hathaway, headed by Warren Buffett, 

one of the country’s most successful 

investors. 

• GEICO is headquartered in Chevy 

Chase, Maryland. 

• GEICO is the second-largest private 

passenger auto insurance company in 

the United States. 

• GEICO serves more than 14 million 

private passenger customers, insuring 

more than 23 million vehicles (auto 

and cycle). 

• GEICO was founded in 1936 by Leo 

Goodwin, Sr. and his wife Lillian to 

provide auto insurance directly to 

federal government employees and 

their families. 

• In 1974, GEICO began to insure the 

general public, after real-time access to 

computerized driving records became 

available throughout the United States, 

and it was briefly the fifth-largest U.S. 

auto insurer. 

• GEICO generally deals directly with 

consumers via telephone and internet; 

however, the local agent program has 

more than 150 offices countrywide. 

• Stafford County office is one of the 

largest regional operation centers for 

GEICO. 

• In 2012 GEICO spent over $1.1 billion 

in advertising, or 6.8% of its revenue. 

All of GEICO’s television ads are made 

and produced by The Martin Agency, 

which is based in Richmond. 

• GEICO associate starting salary ranges 

from $34,000 - $50,000 per year. 


MAC Update 

Annual Breakfast with Congressman Wittman 

By Denny Fallon, Chairman, 

Communications Committee, 

MAC Board of Directors 

On April 18, the Military Affairs 

Council (MAC) hosted their Annual 

Breakfast with Congressman Rob 

Wittman. Attended by community 

Leaders, business professionals 

from across the Region, MAC 

members and leaders of our 

regional military facilities, Denny Fallon 

Congressman Wittman shared his 

views on a number of topics, all of critical importance to the 

Fredericksburg region. 

In his capacity as a Member of the House Armed Services 

Committee and Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee 

and a Member of the Seapower and Expeditionary Forces 

Subcommittee, Congressman Wittman has a laser focus on 

the state of our Armed Forces readiness and all of the factors 

that both contribute to it and detract from it. 

He affirmed the critical importance of our 

region and the impactful role that Marine 

Corps Base Quantico, Fort A.P. Hill and 

the Naval Support Facility Dahlgren 

play in the intricate scheme of our 

National defense. 

Beyond that, his comments 

can best be described as 

“cautionary.” America’s 

readiness posture has been 

impacted by a combination of 

influences from our extended 

wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; to 

the fight against ISIS and the Syrian conflict; to Sequestration 

and the effective $1.3 Trillion dollar budget cuts over the 

mandated 10-year period. Congressman Wittman painted a 

sobering picture across all of our Services using examples like 

the Marines’ F-18 Hornet’s state of readiness where 3 aircraft 

in a squadron of 18 are considered Full Mission Capable; and 

the Air Force lacking 5,000 aircraft maintainers to fix and 

sustain their aircraft; and where the Navy’s aging submarine 

force is being seriously tested by the newest, quieter Russian 

subs and why the Army finds it difficult to maintain ready 

Brigade Combat Teams because of downed equipment and a 

lack of spare parts. 

Congressman Wittman warned that there’s more to this 

story than just readiness impacts, and cited the impact that 

Sequestration is having on the necessary modernization 

initiatives affecting aircraft, surface ships, submarines, and 

cyber security initiatives. He stated that the Navy has 276 

ships compared to their minimum requirement of 313 and 

the shipbuilding slope to reestablish the fleet won’t return 

us to a 313 ship Navy in the foreseeable future. Sadly, the 

environment doesn’t seem right for the necessary focus on 

readiness and defense, but his initiatives to introduce the 

un-indoctrinated to the demands of military life, to and the 

reality of the Soldier’s, Sailor’s, Marine’s, Airman’s and Coast 

Guardsman’s commitment is paying-off. Congressman 

Wittman has invited many of his fellow representatives onto 

the decks of aircraft carriers and to cruise below the seas in 

America’s submarines. They’ve seen amphibious assaults by 

the Marines and the Sailors of the amphibious fleet and visited 

Brigade-level exercises by the Army. He’s working hard to make 

his point. 

Infrastructure is important but there’s a nagging sense that 

our “capacity” will be tested again soon. Assessed through a 

process referred to as “BRAC” (for the Base Realignment and 

Closure Act), Congress has tasked the Services to perform a 

Capacity Analysis to better understand base structure, mission 

and needs. Often at odds with DoD, Congress understands 

that Bases = Training and Training = Readiness, an equation 

that resonates with Congressman Wittman. Base closures 

without sufficient due diligence could be disastrous, because 

once closed; there will be no second chance to get those 

bases back. 

Congressman Wittman has a dedicated focus on the readiness 

of our Armed Forces and is passionate about building collegial 

support for our service men and women. He’s an advocate for a 

strong and ready defense and fully supports the Fredericksburg 

region’s emphasis on National Defense. 

Always appreciated, Congressman Wittman honored us by his 

presence, his comments and his candid concerns about the 

state of our readiness. He’s a true friend of the MAC and we 

thank him. 

Following a brief Q & A, the audience was treated to 

a presentation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to 

Congressman Wittman of the “Spirit of Enterprise Award” 

in recognition of his support of pro-growth, pro-jobs policies. 

The award is given annually to Members of Congress based 

on their votes on critical business legislation. The Spirit of 

Enterprise Award highlights Wittman’s strong commitment to 

bolstering our country’s economy, creating jobs, and keeping 

our nation’s spirit of enterprise alive. 

Congratulations, Sir! 

Special thanks to the MAC Annual Breakfast Gold Sponsor, RPI 

Group, and Silver Sponsor, Hilldrup Moving & Storage, for their 

continued support of the Military Affairs Council and its mission. 

Left to right: Clark Thomason, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, SE 

Region representative, Congressman Rob Wittman, Bill Hession, 

Chamber Board Chairman, and Susan Spears, President & CEO, 

Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

16 



Tips from the Pro 

The pros and cons of being promoted in your workplace 

By Lynne Richardson 

You are ready for new challenges! Perhaps you want to 

pursue a position that will provide additional responsibilities 

at a different organization, but what if there’s a promotion at 

your current workplace? 

There are positives and negatives to consider for each scenario. 

If you leave your current organization, you might do so and 

stay local. Those “moves” are easier in many respects than 

relocating to a new town, perhaps in a new state. Local 

promotions in new organizations have costs, but fewer than 

those requiring a move. Regardless, while the grass may seem 

greener there, the new place has weeds too. Perhaps the 

weeds are a different variety than your current workplace, but 

they are weeds nonetheless. 

If a family move is required, there is the consideration of the 

switching costs involved. Having done this three times myself, 

the switching costs are both financial in nature (e.g. home 

buying and selling), but also emotional. You are leaving close 

friends and trusted colleagues for the unknown. And what 

about having to find new doctors, dentists, hair stylists and 

the like? Given all of this, it’s no wonder some people stay in 

one community a long time. 

But the positives may outweigh the negatives. Perhaps you 

can grow in a new direction professionally. 

If you have children, they learn to be adaptable earlier in life 

than perhaps their parents did. You may get to explore areas 

of the state or country because of your new home. Foods 

and customs may be different, so your family can learn to 

appreciate new things. 

But, you say, I cannot move my children or my partner does 

not want to move. Or maybe it’s you who is uncomfortable 

leaving. 

OK, so look for additional opportunities, when you are ready 

to do so, at your current workplace. When an advanced 

position opens up, go for it. 

Assuming you receive the 

promotion, you will get those 

new challenges, while forgoing 

the switching costs required in a 

move to a new community. You 

will almost certainly receive more 

money in your paycheck each pay 

period, and that’s always good. 

Are there any downsides to an inhouse 

promotion? Of course. No Dr. Lynne Richardson 

good deed goes unpunished! 

I had a conversation with a friend who recently received a 

promotion. One of the downsides is that while she was once 

a peer, she’s now the boss. But since she’s worked with many 

of her colleagues for a very long time, they do not yet see 

her as the boss. They still say and do things that indicate this. 

We discussed having to draw a line of what is acceptable and 

what is not and communicating it well. While we need to 

understand that it will take some colleagues a bit of time to 

adjust their thinking and actions to the promotion, they still 

must respect the promotion. 

I know many deans who were internal candidates at their 

schools. One day a person is just “Joe, trusted faculty 

colleague” and the next day the title is “Dean Joe.” These 

colleagues had to quit having lunch with their longtime 

cronies, because now it will be considered favoritism. It’s sad 

that is the case, but people’s perceptions are their realities. We 

must understand this. 

I am all for people being promoted and you probably are as 

well. But when it comes to your career and personal life, what 

is the best option, an internal or external promotion? I’ve had 

both. One is not better than the other. They are just different. 

Lynne Richardson is the dean of the University of Mary Washington’s 

College of Business and a marketing professor. 

New Caroline County building has medical offices, 

Germanna extension 

By Cathy Jett/The Free Lance-Star 

Caroline County’s largest employers are located at Carmel 

Church, but the area has lacked adequate medical care and 

workforce training. 

Now it’s getting both with the opening of the Carmel Church 

Medical Building, the first building in the 25-acre Belmont Crossing development. It includes dental and medical offices as well 

as an extension of Germanna Community College. 

The building is located on 11073 Colonel Armistead Drive near Interstate 95’s Exit 104 and the entrance to the Belmont at 

Carmel Church subdivision. 

The approximately 13,000-square-foot building includes Carmel Church Medical Center, which is expected to open later this 

month, and Ruther Glen Dental, which has already opened. 


Trailblazer Spotlight 

Strong relationships and sound advice 

By Dawn Haun 

Remember the 1938 musical-drama movie “Four Daughters” 

starring Claude Raines and the Lane sisters? It tells the story of 

a happy musical family whose lives and loves are disrupted by 

the arrival of a cynical young composer who interjects himself 

into the daughters’ romantic lives. Bill and Ginny McAvinney, 

decided to move from Connecticut, in search of a better area 

and a high-quality, independent Christian School to raise their 

four daughters, aged two to 12 years old. 

The McAvinney’s search ended in Fredericksburg, Virginia. 

On one trip south, they discovered Fredericksburg and 

Fredericksburg Christian School, and made the decision to 

relocate to Fredericksburg. Bill did not have income lined up 

and they didn’t know anyone in the area. “We chose to raise 

our family here,” said Bill. “One of the first things we did was 

enroll our girls in Fredericksburg Christian School.” 

The couple made decisions from their faith in God, trusting 

Him to guide their family. They are grateful their journey 

of faith landed them in Fredericksburg 26 years ago. They 

opened McAvinney and Associates in 1982, and have been 

serving clients for nearly 35 years. Bill’s business philosophy 

and vision includes being a firm that glorifies God by focusing 

on relationships and inspiring clients to achieve their financial 

goals. 

In 1990, Bill diversified to include McAvinney Employee 

Benefit Services LLC, which has over 26 years’ experience and 

knowledge in the employee benefits industry and provides a 

well-balanced approach to benefit planning. “At McAvinney 

Employee Benefit Services it gives great satisfaction to know 

that while affording advice and services for the company, 

Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies 

we’re also protecting the employees 

and their loved ones through our 

benefit plans,” said Bill. While 

remaining a locally-based boutique 

employee benefits firm, they serve 

clients throughout Virginia with 

employees around the country. 

Through their many alliances and 

relationships, the firm offers service 

and advice to any size company -- 

Bill McAvinney 

regionally or nationally. 

Along with serving his clients through the financial services 

industry, Bill has given back through many local and national 

organizations. Bill serves actively on the Christian Business 

Men’s Connections (CBMC) on a local and national level, 

helped to establish Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) 

Fredericksburg, Association of Health Insurance Advisors 

(AHIA), member of Kingdom Advisors, NAIFA Fredericksburg, 

and one of the organizers of “Back the Badge.” 

Bill is actively involved with the Fredericksburg Regional 

Chamber of Commerce as a Trailblazer; he was in the inaugural 

Leadership Fredericksburg class LF ‘08, and a 10-year member 

of Military Affairs Council (MAC). 

Bill and Ginny have been married for 42 years. They both 

agree that moving to Fredericksburg with their four daughters 

was among the best decisions they ever made. 

And now as the storyline of Four Daughters and the Lemp 

family continued in the 1940 film Four Wives, and 1941 Four 

Mothers; their daughters are adults, and raising their families 

in Virginia. 

McAvinney Employee Benefit Services: Strong Relationships. 

Sound Advice. Visit at www.McAvinney.com or call 

(540) 373-0084. 

Belcher Real Estate 

Belcher Real Estate owner Alex Belcher, along with his staff 

and family, held a grand opening at their new location at 1802 

Augustine Avenue. 

The Goddard School 

The Goddard School owners Gary and Lori Lucy officially held their 

grand opening and ribbon cutting for the new facility located at 

10060 Southpoint Parkway. Standing with them is Chamber of 

Commerce Ambassador Tammy Reid of Nicholls Auction Marketing 

Group and Chamber board of director Mike Fidgeon of Pathways. 

18 



Using next-generation WiFi to take 

your business into the future 

By Byron Cantrall, Vice President of Comcast Business – 

Beltway Region 

Trends in consumer and employee behavior are causing 

demand for WiFi to grow exponentially. According to Cisco, 

WiFi devices will power a majority of all Internet traffic by 

2017, and a 2015 study by Tech Pro Research found that 74 

percent of businesses are using or are planning to use “bring 

your own device” (BYOD) policies. 

WiFi solutions that were previously only available to 

headquarters and other large office locations are now available 

to a wide range of businesses, including small businesses and 

enterprise branch locations. By leveraging the latest WiFi 

technology and selecting a solution that provides the following 

advanced capabilities, you can promote, protect and manage 

your business as needs and demands evolve: 

PRIVATE NETWORK + GUEST NETWORK 

Customers and patrons have come to expect free wireless 

service from the companies they do business with, and studies 

show that free WiFi brings in foot traffic and encourages 

customers to spend more time and money. 

Offering a guest or public WiFi network to your visitors 

as a convenience and benefit for doing business at your 

establishment, in conjunction with a private WiFi network 

that is only made available to employees and authorized 

users, also provides security benefits. A separate guest WiFi 

network helps reduce business concerns about data security 

and bandwidth. 

MADE FOR MARKETING 

But the latest generation of wireless networks offers capabilities 

that do more than just protect. Marketing tools such as custom 

splash or landing pages allow you to speak directly to your 

Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies 

Trailblazer Spotlight 

customers before 

they connect to your WiFi and help attract new customers while 

encouraging repeat business. 

Businesses that install WiFi networks with sophisticated data 

capture and analytics capabilities can capitalize on the wealth 

of consumer information available from guest networks to 

target customers with special offers, notifications of sales and 

special events, or to determine the effectiveness of advertising 

or signage. 

BANDWIDTH YOU CONTROL 

WiFi network configuration controls ensure that your business 

can handle a growing numbers of mobile users, while keeping 

employees productive and customers happy with their 

experience. These controls allow you to set schedules that keep 

unauthorized users off your network by shutting it down at night 

or on weekends automatically or allocate bandwidth so your 

customer WiFi never slows down your back-office connection. 

POWER IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND 

Consider cloud-based controls to manage all of your network’s 

features 24/7, on the device of your choice. A WiFi solution with 

a management system that can be run centrally on a smart device 

via a mobile app or online portal enables IT staff to universally 

apply controls and can reduce network-management overhead. 

These advanced WiFi features are only as useful as the 

broadband infrastructure they rely on. Organizations must 

be able to adapt and upgrade to changing technology and 

add new applications and services over time without worrying 

about network capacity or dependability. It is important to 

pair your WiFi solution with a network service provider that 

offers broadband options to accommodate your current and 

future bandwidth demands and an infrastructure with the 

uptime and reliability your business needs. 

Bricks 4 Kidz 

Bricks 4 Kidz, local franchise owner Melani Lyons opened the center 

at 4903 Plank Road in Spotsylvania. franchise that teaches the 

fundamentals of STEM education-science, technology, engineering 

and math-through motorized LEGO models. Pictured left to right: 

Rob Dodd, Jr., Chamber Board member & Ambassador, Melani Lyons, 

owner, David Lyons, and Stephanie Lyles, Chamber ambassador. 

Dogpatch 

Left to right: Mark Desnoyer, Mrs. Joanna Gish, former owner, 

Lynn Bailey, owner/GM, Susan Spears Chamber President/CEO, 

Theodore “Teddy” Spears, and Jessica Desnoyer, owner/CEO. The 

dog boarding and daycare is located at 11712 Post Oak Road, 

Spotsylvania. 


Welcome New Members 

Welcome 

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. 

Fredericksburg Academy 

Dee Hwang 

10800 Academy Dr. 


Phone: (540) 898-0020 

Fax: (540) 898-0440 

www.fredericksburgacademy.org 

dhwang@fredericksburgacademy.org 

Education - Public/Private 

Partnership* 

Tutor Doctor 

James Hardy 

29 Club Dr. 


Phone: (540) 642-8724 

www.hometutorsva.com 

jhardy@tutordoctor.com 

Tutoring* 

Stache Barber Shop, The LLC 

Lindsay Jones-Gupta 

4500 Plank Rd., Suite 1018 


Phone: (540) 455-1846 

stachebarbershop@gmail.com 

Barbershop* 

99MediaLab 

Piyush Mangukiya 

1982 William St. 


Phone: (703) 563-2571 

www.99medialab.com/ 

info@99medialab.com 

Web Design & Hosting Services* 

Rainbow International 

Restoration of Fredericksburg 

Gavin Saunders 

400 Nelms Circle, Suite 103 


Phone: (540) 850-3880 

Toll Free: 855 RAINBOW 

Fax: (540) 373-1123 

www.rainbowintl.com/ 

fredericksburg 

eric.healey@rainbowva.com 

Cleaning Service - Residential/ 

Commercial, Mold Remediation, 

Water & Smoke Restoration* 

LibertyTown Arts Workshop 

Dolores Lecky 

916 Liberty St. 


Phone: (540) 371-7255 

www.libertytownarts.com 

info@libertytownarts.com 

Art Galleries* 

Beverley’s Ribinator BBQ 

Anthony Beverley 

62 Sapphire St. 


Phone: (443) 877-0805 

www.ribinator73.com 

beverleyribinator@yahoo.com 

Food Specialties/Services 

Caterers* 

Embrace Therapeutic 

Foster Care 

Gretchen Rusden 

10705 Spotsylvania Ave., Suite 101 


Phone: (540) 613-5120 

www.embracetfc.com 

gretchen.rusden@embracetfc.com 

Human Services* 

Morgan’s Thrifty Deals, LLC 

Valerie Morgan 

10817 Tidewater Trail, Suite 125 


Phone: (540) 372-1459 

www.facebook.com/ 

morgansthriftydeals/ 

thriftydeals4u@aol.com 

Thrift* 

Celebrate Virginia After Hours 

Brittany Hutchinson 

8030 Gordon W Shelton Blvd 


Phone: (804) 495-3908 

www.celebratevirginiaafterhours.com 

bhutchinson@ 

afterhoursconcertseries.com 

Entertainment* 

Sage Payment Solutions 

Richard Mitchell 

12120 Sunset Hills Rd., Suite 500 

Reston, VA 20190-5829 

Phone: (800) 261-0240 

www.sage.com 

Payment Services* 

Bill Britt & Associates 

Bill Britt 

1311 Yates Circle 


Phone: (540) 845-5680 

billbritt07@gmail.com 

Insurance* 

Dogpatch 

(Nut Tree Enterprises, LLC) 

Mark Desnoyer 

11712 Post Oak Rd. 

Spotsylvania, VA 22551 

Phone: (540) 895-5966 

www.facebook.com/DogpatchSpotsy5/ 

Pet Supply Shoppe/Grooming & 

Boarding Kennels* 

Target Marketing / 

Southcomm Publishing, Inc. 

Scott Robertson 

7766 Ewing Blvd., Suite 200 

Florence, KY 41042 

Phone: (800) 933-3909 

Fax: (800) 488-3101 

www.chambermaps.com 

Publishers* 

Labor Ready 

Bobby Duke 

503A Jefferson Davis Highway 


Phone: (540) 371-7001 

Fax: (540) 371-7089 

www.laborready.com 

3023-br@laborready.com 

Employment Services 

Employment Agencies* 

Stratford Hall 

Jim Schepmoes 

483 Great House Road 

Stratford, VA 22558 

Phone: (804) 493-8038 

Fax: (804) 493-0333 

www.StratfordHall.org 

info@stratfordhall.org 

Non Profit* 

Untangled Purls, LLC 

Catherine Mitchell 

2561 Cowan Blvd. 


Phone: (540) 479-8382 

www.untangledpurls.com 

untangledpurls@gmail.com 

Retail Stores* Specialty Shops/ 

General Merchandise 

Foltz & Associates CPA 

Samuel Foltz 

2601 Princess Anne St., Suite 201 


Phone: (540) 373-6589 

www.foltzcpa.com 

sam.foltz@foltzcpa.com 

Accountants-Certified Public* 

Volvo Cars Fredericksburg 

Tom Olney 

1001 Noble Way 


Phone: (540) 373-5200 

Toll Free: (800) 662-5385 

Fax: (540) 373-4772 

Automobile Dealers* 

Wild Birds Unlimited of 

Fredericksburg VA 

Warren French 

1937 Carl D. Silver Parkway 


Phone: (540) 371-5637 

www.wbu.com/fredericksburg 

WBU.Fredericksburg@gmail.com 

Retail Stores* 

Silver Collection at 

Cosner’s Corner 

Sarah Nave 

9500 Silver Collection Circle 


Phone: (540) 834-0063 

www.silvercollectionatcosnerscorner.com 

silvercollection-cm@ 

pegasusresidential.com 

Apartments* 

Certified Advanced 

Therapies and Massage 

Cindy Dojcak 

307 Lafayette Blvd., Suite 300 


Phone: (703) 296-0994 

catsandmassage@gmail.com 

Massage Therapy* 

Bin There Dump That 

Joey Farrar 

Phone: (540) 379-3811 

www.bintheredumpthatusa.com/ 

fredericksburg@ 

bintheredumpthat.com 

Unassigned 

Greens and Grains 

David Engle 

1133 Jefferson Davis Highway 


Phone: (540) 656-2525 

www.greensandgrainsva.com/ 

greensandgrainsva@gmail.com 

Restaurants* 

* indicates primary category 

20 



Green Printing is . . . 

• business practices that reflect environmental stewardship 

• protecting employee health and safety 

• a commitment to your community and building a 

better place in which to live 

If you believe the same as us at Stafford Printing, 

let’s become partners! 

Stafford Printing is pleased to sponsor the 2016 Green Business Challenge with 

Marstel-Day, Germanna Community College and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative. 

540-659-4554 howen@staffordprinting.com staffordprinting.com 


Belcher Real Estate opens in 

city 

Local realtor Alex Belcher has opened a 

new Fredericksburg agency specializing 

in residential home sales. 

Last year Belcher, who previously worked 

for MacDoc Realty, was named one of 

Realtor magazine’s top 30 agents under 

age 30. 

Alex Belcher 

Connect America Gala Dinner and Dance 

Vets on Track Foundation is hosting their first “Connect 

America Gala Dinner and Dance” on Armed 

Forces Day, May 21 at Fredericksburg 

Hospitality House. The event will bring 

together 400 supporters, corporate 

partners, veterans, volunteers and staff. The 

evening will be filled with food, music, stories 

and awarding the first Vets on Track “Connect 

America Community Outreach Award.” 

For more information, sponsorship or ticket purchase go 

online to www.vetsontrack.org. 

SimVentions awarded $37M contract for 

Electric Warfare Systems Support 

SimVentions Inc. in 

Fredericksburg has 

been awarded a 

$37M contract for providing technical and engineering support 

services to the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Dahlgren 

Virginia, specifically the Electronic Warfare and Sensor Systems 

(EWSS) Division, to support the Navy’s goal in ensuring surface 

electronic warfare dominance. The required engineering 

support encompasses systems and software engineering and 

development, system integration, modeling and simulation, test 

and evaluation, cybersecurity, and training. 

These engineering efforts are in direct support of the Surface 

Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP), Navy 

onboard and off-board Electronic Warfare (EW) programs, and 

Electronic Support (ES) and Electronic Attack (EA) programs 

and systems. The contract is for five years and will run through 

October of 2021. “We’re honored to be able to stand with 

NSWC Dahlgren’s EW team to support their programs, 

systems, technologies, research, and workforce in ensuring 

that our military forces can continue to control and dominate 

the electromagnetic spectrum during wartime.” said Larry 

Root, SimVentions CEO. “Control of the electromagnetic 

spectrum is critical to current and future military engagements 

and cannot be maintained unless we master all aspects of 

EW, train our military forces on how to effectively use EW 

systems and technologies, and continue to invest in future 

technologies and EW-focused research and innovations. 

Big Cloud Media sold 

Big Cloud Media, a client of the UMW 

Eagleworks Business Incubation 

Center, is getting new ownership. 

Koji Flowers started Big Cloud Media in 2008 in San Antonio 

Texas. He moved the company to Fredericksburg in 2013. 

After eight years at the helm, Flowers sold Big Cloud Media 

to his business partner, Paul Baptist. Flowers plans to pursue a 

new business venture. 

BigCloudMedia 

BigCloudMedia 

BESPOKE MARKETING DONE RIGHT • 1 MONTHLY FEE • SIMPLE 

BESPOKE MARKETING DONE RIGHT • 1 MONTHLY FEE • SIMPLE 

Julie Rettinger accepted into Executive 

Development Program 

Rappahannock Goodwill Industries (RGI) 

has announced that Julie Rettinger, VP 

of Community Relations and Resource 

Development, has been accepted into 

the Goodwill Industries International 

Executive Development Program. The 

program is a 16-month course of study 

aimed at preparing senior leaders to 

become chief executive officers for 

Goodwill. The program began in April. 

Donation from Operation Round Up 

Julie Rettinger 

Friends of the Rappahannock 

received $2,000 from 

Rappahannock Electric 

Cooperative’s Operation Round Up program. The money will be 

used to fund river cleanups, fly fishing education, and the student 

stream team (SST). 

Operation Round Up receives its funding from REC members 

who volunteer to have their electric bill “rounded up” to the 

next highest whole dollar. 

Friends of the Rappahannock is the Fredericksburg-based 

nonprofit working “to be the voice and active force for a 

healthy and scenic Rappahannock River.” 

Thrasher Group hires new senior regional 

manager 

Randy Comer, formerly 

of Alion Science & 

Technology, has joined 

the Thrasher Group, a Mid-Atlantic architecture-engineering & 

design, construction inspection and land surveying company, 

as the Senior Regional Manager for Fredericksburg and the 

surrounding area. He will be managing operations from the 

Thrasher Group’s office in Falmouth. 

22 



Sands Anderson named among “Virginia’s 

Best Economic Development Law Firms” 

Sands Anderson PC, a Mid- 

Atlantic law firm, has earned 

recognition by Southern 

Business & Development 

magazine to be named 

among “Virginia’s Best Economic Development Law Firms.” 

“We are extremely pleased to receive this recognition and to be 

selected as a top Virginia law firm for economic development. 

It’s a privilege to work with local governments throughout 

the Commonwealth, as well as businesses and developers 

on important projects that enhance the economic vitality of 

Virginia’s communities,” said Daniel M. Siegel, shareholder 

and chair of the firm’s Government Group 

MWH designated as Blue Distinction Center+ 

Anthem Blue Cross Blue 

Shield designated Mary 

Washington Hospital as a 

Blue Distinction Center+ 

in the areas of cardiac care and knee and hip replacements. 

Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated healthcare 

facilities shown to deliver improved patient safety and better 

health outcomes, based on objective measures that were 

developed with input from the medical community. A Blue 

Distinction Center+ denotes that Mary Washington also 

delivers care more efficiently and cost-effectively than other 

similar healthcare facilities. 

RPI Group sponsors inNOVAtion Hack-a-thon 

Fredericksburg-based RPI 

Group Inc. and Team RPI 

Training were a sponsor of 

the first annual inNOVAtion Hackathon at Northern Virginia 

Community College. 

Fredericksburg’s Director of Economic 

Development and Tourism is retiring 

Karen Hedelt, director of Economic 

Development and Tourism for the City 

of Fredericksburg, is retiring August 1, 

2016. 

Hedelt joined the department in 1981 as 

a media liaison, and was promoted from 

interim to permanent director in 2009. 

“My titles and duties have changed Karen Hedelt 

through the years, but I have found 

public service to be most interesting and very rewarding,” 

Hedelt said. “I plan to take some time for myself, and then I 

likely will look for a new role that is significantly different than 

what I am doing now.” 

Lachniet named publisher of 

The Free Lance-Star 

BH Media executive Dale Lachniet has 

been named publisher of The Free 

Lance-Starand vice president of BH 

Media’s Eastern Community Group. 

Lachniet, 52, has been the vice 

president of operations for BH Media, 

Dale Lachniet 

overseeing the company’s Publishing 

Solutions Group, including the customer 

information systems team, and The Press of Atlantic City (New 

Jersey). 

Four Fredericksburg-area companies make 

Fantastic 50 list 

Several Fredericksburgarea 

companies are among 

the 50 fastest-growing in 

the state. 

The Virginia Chamber of Commerce announced the names 

of 50 of the fastest-growing Virginia companies at its 21st 

annual “Virginia’s Fantastic 50 Awards Banquet” on Thursday 

evening in Chantilly. 

Patriot Group International Inc. of Warrenton came in second 

in the rankings. Patriot was also named one of five “Virginia 

Vanguard” winners as the top producer in the service industry. 

Government contractor Marathon TS Inc. of Kilmarnock came 

in 11th place. 

Stafford County’s Corps Solutions, also a government 

contractor, was the 13th fastest-growing company listed. 

Government contractor SimVentions Inc. of Fredericksburg 

came in at No. 26. 

Sugar Shack named best among Donut shops 

According to an online travel 

website, Fredericksburg residents 

are eating some of the best 

donuts in America. 

Time Out, which posts travel articles and guides, named Sugar 

Shack to its “16 best donut shops in America” list. 

Sugar Shack came in 14th on the list. Sugar Shack is located 

at 618 William Street, Fredericksburg. 

HCA Virginia Names New CEO of Spotsylvania 

Regional Medical Center 

HCA Virginia recently announced 

the appointment of Michael 

Clark, as chief executive officer of 

Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, effective June 1, 2016. 

Clark comes to Spotsylvania Regional with more than 30 years 

of hospital and healthcare leadership experience. “It is easy to 

be attracted to such a beautiful, well designed facility,” said 

Clark. “However, it is the energy and commitment of the 


staff and physicians to do the very best for our patients and 

their families that truly excites me. “ 

Clark is a recipient of LifePoint Health’s prestigious 

Fleetwood Award for outstanding contributions by a hospital 

administrator, a recognition he was awarded in 2003. He 

earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Troy State 

University in Alabama and his master’s degree in health from 

the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also is a Fellow 

of the Advisory Board Company. 

He enjoys golf and hunting. He and his wife Stacye have 

been married 25 years, and have two children. They have a 

grandson and a granddaughter. 

Cushman & Wakefield 

| Thalhimer Welcomes 

Brokerage Professional to 

their Fredericksburg Office 

Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer is 

pleased to announce Brian Barasha has 

joined the firm as an associate in their 

Fredericksburg office, specializing in 

office sales and leasing. 

Cushman & Wakefield | 

Thalhimer hires portfolio 

manager 

Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer’s 

Property Services Group has hired 

Crystal R. Morris, as a portfolio manager 

in their Fredericksburg office. Crystal 

most recently managed the Fox Rest 

Apartments in Richmond. 

Brian Barasha 

Crystal R. Morris 

Real Estate contracts 

up, highest first quarter 

sales in nine years 

Buyers returned to the Fredericksburg area market 

during the first quarter striking a 4.6% increase in 

new contracts over last year. The 1,543 contracts 

ratified during the first quarter were the highest since 

2005. The number of sellers entering the market 

picked up in the first quarter, in line with the seasonal 

pattern adding 2,039 new listings, a 3.6% increase 

over the same period last year. 

At $260,000, the median sale price in the first quarter 

increased 4.0% from its year ago level and also 

increased 0.3% from the previous quarter’s level of 

$259,200. The 963 total units sold in the first quarter 

increased 1.5% from their year ago levels of 949 sales. 

At $266,250,862, the total sold dollar volume was 

the highest first quarter level since the first quarter of 

2007 and represented a 1.5% increase over the first 

quarter 2015 level of $262,273,419. 

The median Days on Market (DOM), the number 

of days from when a listing enters the market until 

it obtains a ratified purchase contract, decreased 

from 65 days in the first quarter of 2015 to 64 days 

in first quarter of 2016. This level is lower than the 

ten-year average of 69 days but was higher than the 

five-year average of 55 days. In the second quarter, 

days on market will likely decline in accordance with 

established seasonal patterns and increased market 

activity associated with the spring selling season, 

increased inventory levels, and traditionally higher 

sales volumes. 

SimVentions named to Virginia Fantastic 50 

list for third consecutive year 

The Virginia Chamber of Commerce announced the names of 50 of the fastest growing Virginia 

companies at the 21st annual “Virginia’s Fantastic 50 Awards Banquet” on April 28 at the 

Westfields Marriott in Chantilly. More than 400 attendees participated in the banquet to celebrate 

the success of these Virginia entrepreneurs. Virginia’s Fantastic 50 award program is a signature 

event of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and is the only annual statewide award recognizing 

Virginia’s fastest growing businesses. 

“We are honored to be named to this amazing list of Virginia companies for the third straight year!” said Larry Root, SimVentions 

CEO. “This achievement truly puts us in rarefied company…and reflects the hard work, dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, 

creative and innovative atmosphere, positive and caring culture, and amazing employees and staff we have at SimVentions. 

When you mix all of that with God, Country, and an incredible love and commitment for what we do on behalf of our 

country’s warfighters, armed services, and research and development labs – amazing things happen!” 

SimVentions’ corporate headquarters is located just outside of Fredericksburg, (in Stafford County). Also offices in Dahlgren 

and Quantico. Since 2000, they have been delivering engineering (to include systems engineering, software engineering, 

cybersecurity engineering, and modeling and simulation), program management, and training solutions to our armed services. 

Their passion is ensuring their employees’ gifts and talents are put to use in delivering meaningful capability to our nation’s 

research and development labs and our military’s men and women on the front lines. 

24 



Leadership Fredericksburg Continued from page 5 

The Leadership Fredericksburg experience for Fallon goes far 

beyond the relationship with his fellows. As chairman of the 

Mentor Program, he has opportunity to interact with program 

facilitators and mentors. “There is an incredible cadre of the 

mentors, executive speakers, and Chamber staff,” Fallon said. 

“Passion seems to be a common denominator among the 

various stakeholders of the program.” 

Teaching leadership to other leaders is to lead by 

example. 

Ronald Reagan once said, “The greatest leader is not 

necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the 

one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” This year’s 

program facilitators, J.R. Flatter and Dave Corderman have 

achieved this. Both are Chamber volunteers and community 

business leaders; J.R. Flatter, President and CEO of Flatter & 

Associates and Dave Corderman, Senior Partner of Academy 

Leadership Associates. 

Gratitude flows for the two lecturers from the fellows; and 

from the lecturers to the fellows. “It’s extremely satisfying, we 

both volunteer for the Chamber, and we give our time for this 

program and have enjoyed it very much,” said Corderman. 

Their seamless leadership transition for the program was 

recognized last month by the Chamber when both received 

the prestigious Joseph L. Argenzio Award. This is given 

annually in recognition of the volunteer leader who goes 

above and beyond the call of duty in service to the Chamber. 

“Working with J.R. and Dave has been an honor,” said 

Susan Spears. “They are among the most humble people I’ve 

met. I learn from them in every meeting we have together. 

Their commitment to the program and the community 

is extraordinary.” Spears serves as executive director of 

Leadership Fredericksburg and is co-facilitator. 

Applications will be accepted May 1 - July 1 for the 2017 

class. For more information, visit the Chamber website: 

www.fredericksburgchamber.org/ Leadership-Home or call 

the Chamber office at 540-373-9400. 

Facilitators Dave Corderman, Susan Spears and J.R. Flatter stand 

with Eric Fletcher, LF’12 (right) who spoke to the class during the 

October 2015 session. 

Leadership fellows congratulate Leadership Fredericksburg 

facilitators J.R. Flatter and Dave Corderman at the State of the 

Chamber where they were awarded the 2016 Joseph L. Argenzio 

Award. 

2016 fellows ride the Fredericksburg Trolley to the Chancellor 

Battlefield tour during the November session. 

LF Alumni Give Back Continued from page 7 

professional benefit being affiliated with the program; as a 

candidate, alumni or mentor. ‘Sharpening the axe,’ as they 

say, is important to my continued leadership experience.” 

Leadership Skills Include Taking the Good with 

the Bad 

Great leaders learn from their mistakes and accept 

responsibility. Analyzing individual skill set unlocks personal 

character flaws, which is the purpose of the Leadership 

Multi-rater Assessment of Personality (LMAP) 360 Leadership 

assessment. Leadership Fredericksburg uses the assessment to 

anchor the feedback and coaching. 360 assessments use selfratings 

and ratings from co-workers. It focuses on how others 

experience the leader’s behavior. Leaders get a deep sense of 

how it feels to have you as a boss or team member. 

Tom Schoedel, LF ’14, president of Atlantic Builders, said the 

LMAP assessment opened his eyes to how others perceive 

him. “The LMAP made me realize it’s not always how I 

perceive myself,” said Tom. “I’ve taken personality profiles 

before, but this was my first experience having others profile 

me. It helped me understand better how to communicate and 

relate to others.” 

The class alumni agree, the Chamber and Leadership 

Fredericksburg offer opportunities to develop new relationships 

and to stay in touch with the business community. These 

relationships are invaluable to a business. Staying involved 

by helping to mentor young entrepreneurs, watching them 

develop and succeed, is absolutely rewarding. 


Upcoming classes and seminars 

UMW Small Business Development Center 

To 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 

May 10: from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

QuickBooks Training: The QuickBooks 

workshop is designed to teach the 

basics of QuickBooks; the things that 

you need to know to perform typical 

bookkeeping tasks. This workshop will 

be instructed by Connie Whittingham, 

Y-OPA Consulting Group. 

May 23: from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

First Steps to Starting a Business: 

This Seminar will provide the basic of 

self-evaluation, the idea, defining the 

need, determining the feasibility, and 

what actions are necessary. 

May 24: from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Human Resource Law 101: Basics 

every employer should know Presented 

by Randy C. Sparks, Jr., a member of 

the Labor and Employment Law Practice 

Group at Kaufman & Canoles. 

June 6: from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 

First Steps to Starting a Business: 

This Seminar will provide the basic of 

self-evaluation, the idea, defining the 

need, determining the feasibility, and 

what actions are necessary. 

June 7: from 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 

Blue Print Business Plan Workshop: 

This one day four-hour workshop is 

presented by the UMWSBDC Eagle 

Village office. It covers the development 

of the narrative and financial 

forecasting portions of the business 

plan. 

June 14 from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

Develop Your Basic Social Media 

Marketing: This workshop is designed 

for small business owners who are 

not social media currently using social 

media to market their businesses and 

those who are not using social media 

effectively. 

June 4 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Marketing and Promotions for 

Small Business: This course will 

provide an introduction of marketing 

and promotional “tricks of the trade” 

to help your small business increase its 

presence in this challenging economic 

environment. 

June 14-28 from 6 – 9 p.m. 

Accounting for Non-accountants: 

The instructor will discuss basic 

accounting principles and concepts such 

as the general ledger, debits, credits, 

assets, liabilities, expenses, revenues 

and equity using examples from the 

business world. 

26 



May 2016 

11 - Ribbon Cutting Residence Inn, 4:00pm, 60 Town Centre Blvd. 

12 - Leadership Fredericksburg Project Presentations, 3:00 pm, 

J.F. Fick Conference Center 

16 - Ribbon Cutting Community Bank of the Chesapeake, 12:00pm, 

425 William Street 

17 - MAC Base Tour of Fort A.P. Hill, 8:00am 

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

18 - Next Gen Mid-week Motivation, 12:00pm, Fredericksburg 

Country Club, guest speaker, William “Billy” Beale, President & CEO 

of Union Bank & Trust. 

20 - Leadership Fredericksburg Graduation & Reception, 3:00 pm, 

UMW Stafford Campus 

25 - Leadership Fredericksburg Information Session, 8:30am, 

Chamber Office, Learn about Leadership Fredericksburg from those 

who know the program best. A panel consisting of program staff, 

mentors, fellows, and alumni answer questions and present their 

perspectives about this signature program. 

26 - Shrimpfest, 4:00pm, Fredericksburg Fair Grounds 

31 - Ribbon Cutting for Repo Rocks, 4:00pm, held at D & L Insurance, 

4600 Jefferson Davis, Fredericksburg, VA 22408 

June 2016 

7 - Chamber Roundtable (Stafford), 8:00am, 

Courtyard by Marriott Quantico 

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

9 - Business After Hours, Rappahannok Area YMCA, 5:30pm 

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

23 - Business After Hours, Businets, 5:30pm 

View Chamber Calendar of Events online: 

www.fredericksburgchamber.org 

FREDERICKSBURG 

REGIONAL 

CHAMBER 

2300 Fall Hill Ave., 

Suite 240 


(540) 373-9400 

Fax: (540) 373-9570 

www.fredericksburgchamber.org 


is published by Stafford Printing. 

For more information, contact 

Howard Owen at (540) 659-4554 

or howen@staffordprinting.com. 

Contact Stafford Printing 

for information on 

advertising and inserts 

in Fredericksburg Regional 

Business 

chamber@staffordprinting.com 

2707 Jefferson Davis Hwy. 


540.659.4554 

1916 - 2016 

100 Years of Service 

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 

Leadership Fredericksburg 

Project Presentations 

May 12, 2016 • 3 p.m. 

J.F. Fick Conference Center 

Congratulations to the 

LEADERSHIP FREDERICKSBURG 

2016 CLASS 

JOIN US AS WE RECOGNIZE THE GRADUATES 



Graduation & Reception 

May 20, 2016 • 3 p.m. 

UMW Stafford Campus 


The better choice 

for banking. 

If you want a more personal banking experience, you’ll find it here. 

Our bank was founded by local people with a commitment 

to the community and the success of its people and businesses. 

Come in and see for yourself. 

410 William Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 115 E. Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646 

Bank local, bank better. 

(540) 899-2265 • www.VirginiaPartnersBank.com •

May_June 2016 Chamber Magazine

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