Chamber offering journey to China
The Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Boscov’s Travel to offer a tour and trade mission to China scheduled for April 20-28.
Area businesses are being invited to join Chamber members on this nine-day, seven-night journey featuring comprehensive tours of local attractions in Beijing, Chongqing, Wonzhou, and Shanghai. Highlights of this tour include admission to the International Chongqing Garden Expo, featuring Media Week in the Virginia Gardens and Wonzhou, Waynesboro’s Sister City. Continue reading “Chamber offering journey to China” »
Updated: Company listed in Chamber release not doing business in Augusta area
UPDATE: Monday, Jan. 30, 2:05 p.m. A spokesman for the Utah-based Pinnacle Security said today that the company has no record of sales representatives doing business in the Greater Augusta region.
“I’m not really sure where these reports are coming from,” said Stuart Dean, the vice president of corporate communications at Pinnacle, which was the focus of a news release from the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce on Friday warning local consumers to be wary of the company.
The release detailed warnings from consumers in other states that have had bad experiences with Pinnacle Security.
Dean defended Pinnacle against the accusations in the release. The company uses licenses technicians to install security systems, Dean said, and offers repair services in areas where it maintains customers.
Dean also said Pinnacle Security is not affiliated with Platinum Security. The press release from the Chamber of Commerce had suggested that Pinnacle Security sales reps may be presenting themselves as being representatives of Platinum Security. The two companies are not one and the same. Continue reading “Updated: Company listed in Chamber release not doing business in Augusta area” »
AFP produces TV spot for 2012 Business Showcase
Augusta Free Press produced the TV commercial spot for the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce 2012 Business Showcase.
The spot will air on WHSV-TV3 and Comcast. The 2012 Business Showcase is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 9, from 1-5 p.m. at the Best Western Waynesboro Inn & Suites Conference Center. Continue reading “AFP produces TV spot for 2012 Business Showcase” »
Chamber seeks input on name for new event
The Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce is introducing a new international-themed festival to be held at the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton Sept. 21-23, 2012. From the historical homes of England, Germany, Ireland, West Africa to America, the entire museum will come alive with demonstrations and tastings of food, beverages, art and entertainment as the public becomes a part of history.
Since the organizers of the Fortune/Williams Music Festival made the decision that 2011 would be their last festival, the Chamber will now be taking over their dates and plans on continuing with the same format of Songwriters in the Round event on Friday and another concert on Saturday evening.
“We want this Festival to be your community festival and would like suggestions as to what it we should name it,” Chamber president Linda Hershey said.
Suggested names that have already been submitted are:
- Frontier Roots Festival
- Cultural Fest
- Living Nations Festival
- Celebrate! a Cultural Festival
- Wine, Stein & Dine Festival
- Toasting the Past Festival
- Toasts, Tastes, & Traditions Fest
Email president@augustava.com with your choice from the above, or submit an entirely different name to consider prior to Dec. 5, 2011.
Chamber announces key staff addition
The Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce announced that Linda Winkler has joined the Chamber staff as the director of programs and special events.
Winkler will be responsible for managing Chamber and community programs, seminars, workshops, and developing public relations and media programs to promote growth and unique opportunities for our community.
She joins the Chamber team with more than 20 years of hospitality and special event business experience. As a special-event coordinator with the Richmond-based Aarrow Special Events, America’s largest event company, her eye for minute details was her trademark.
Winkler’s continuing experience afforded her the opportunity to be involved with such prestigious events as The Breeder’s Cup Championships Weekend, Tennis Championships including The Lipton March of Dimes International, The ATP Volvo Classic, The VCU Medical Center and Dan Marino Child NETT Celebrity Players Tour along with The PGA’s Pensacola Open and Jack Nicklaus’s Memorial Golf Tournament. She designed, produced, and coordinated numerous fundraising events for the president of the University of Virginia, the Virginia State University Inaugural Ball, and the Red Skelton YMCA fundraiser.
Winkler is particularly proud of the fundraising effort she initiated to save the Paramount Theater in Charlottesville. The theater had been closed for more than 30 years and has now been restored to its original glory, reopening Dec. 15, 2004, becoming the anchor for the regional performing arts center. A rare combination of producer, coordinator, and the tenacity to get the job done is the conduit for her success.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Chamber team,” Winkler said. “I am so looking forward to continuing my passion and applying my creativity to help the Chamber build on their stellar program of promoting and supporting the growth of business, industry and agriculture in the Greater Augusta region. I encourage everyone to become involved with the events and programs offered through the Chamber. Your suggestions or comments are welcomed.”
Linda Hershey, the Chamber president and CEO, said she believes Winkler ” will thrive in her new position, and I anticipate that she will exhibit her industry knowledge and expertise while making new advancements for the future mission of our organization.”
Chamber event highlights agritourism
The Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce is holding its first Shenandoah Valley Agritourism Festival … A Fields of Gold Celebration 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, at Hermitage Hill Farm & Stables off of Madrid Road in Augusta County.
The Festival will be a family-centered afternoon to celebrate our agriculture heritage. More than 50 hometown/homegrown products and services will be on hand for sale, demonstration, to taste and educate visitors on getting back to the basics of living.
“We have been overwhelmed with the response from the vendors,” said Chamber President Linda Hershey. “This is the first time the Shenandoah Valley has had so many agriculture and agritourism-related businesses available at the same time for the community to be able to get back to their roots and observe!”
Headline speaker for the agriculture seminars is Joel Salatin, Polyface Farm, who will be speaking on the topic of “Aesthetically, Aromatically and Sensually Romantic Farms.” “Grow More Than You Mow-How Did We Get Here” is the topic of Tim Byrd, Blue Ridge Community College, and Jason Carter, Virginia Tech Extension, will round out the afternoon with a presentation on “What is Agriculture in Augusta County?”
Children’s activities will include a pedal pull contest, a petting farm, pumpkin and face painting, a rolling miniature speedway,sheep herding and blacksmithing demonstrations, along with prizes for the best-dressed scarecrow.
Chamber steps away from role as co-host of Daylily Festival
The Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce said Monday that it will no long serve as manager and co-host of the successful Daylily and Wine Festival held annually in Fishersville.
The Chamber had said recently that it would explore other possible locations for the festival. The Andre Viette Farm and Nursery has hosted the event for its first 15 years.
In a news release, the Chamber announced plans to explore a “different type of event” to take place Sept. 21-23, 2012, at the Frontier Culture Museum. The event would take place on the weekend that had been reserved for the Fortune/Williams Music Festival, which ended its nine-year run at the museum last weekend.
The new festival will feature locally produced beverages and is envisioned to include musical activities both Friday and Saturday evenings.
“The Chamber has been pleased with the success of the Daylily event over the years, and expresses their deep and sincere appreciation to the Viette family for their past association with the Chamber. The Board of Directors and Chamber Staff wish the Viette family continued success with the July festival next year. Chamber officials believe the community will be well served by having two unique events, and the Chamber would support and encourage our membership and the community at large to continue patronage of the Daylily Festival event,” according to the release.
Chamber looking to move Daylily & Wine Festival from Viette Nursery?
The Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce is considering taking the annual Daylily & Wine Festival on the road after a 15-year run at the Andre Viette Farm and Nursery.
The Chamber has sent out requests for proposal to six Chamber members, including the Viette Farm and Nursery, as part of its exploration.
“In this challenging economy, all businesses, especially non-profits, need to look at ways to operate more efficiently and find additional ways to save money. The chamber’s request for proposals to host our Daylily & Wine Festival is no exception,” Chamber President and CEO Linda Hershey said in a statement to AugustaFreePress.com.
Andre Viette, in a statement to WSVA-550AM, which first reported on this story, said he is “very disappointed to learn that the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce is looking to move the Daylily and Wine Festival from the Andre Viette Farm and Nursery.”
“We have enjoyed a successful association with the Chamber in putting on this event and had record attendance during the most recent festival. Those facts leave us struggling to understand why we were notified this week by Chamber president Linda Hershey that they have requested bids from different venues to host next year’s Daylily and Wine Festival,” Viette said.
“Over the past 15 years we have invested our heart and soul into an event that attracts thousands of people from all over the local community and has been recognized as a ‘Top 20 Event for July’ in the Southeast. We are confused by the recent developments and are concerned that a move could hurt and diminish the festival which has become a summer highlight for many in Augusta County and the Shenandoah Valley,” Viette said.
“After the great success of the 15th annual Daylily and Wine Festival My family and I cannot understand why the Chamber feels this drastic action is needed,” Viette said.
Boys & Girls Club to host Open House
The Boys & Girls Club of Waynesboro, Staunton, and Augusta County will host an Open House for members of the Greater Augusta Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, June 2 from 4-6 p.m.
The event, to be held at the Waynesboro Club at 302 E. Main St., will give companies an opportunity to tour the facility and learn more about how the Boys & Girls Club is helping to prepare youth to realize their full potential.
In addition to the tour, the children will be performing a brief play for the business community at 5 p.m., followed by comments from the executive director and board members of the Club. Door prizes and snacks, provided by Chick-fil-A, round out the agenda.
There is no cost to attend, so please make plans to attend and show your support of the Boys & Girls Club.
The Boys and Girls Club of Waynesboro, Staunton, and Augusta County serves more than 600 youth from its facilities in Staunton and Waynesboro. The mission of the Club is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
The Club receives no direct federal or state funding support and relies primarily on the generosity of the community for its operating funds. Individual donations of $500 or more, or business donations of $1,000 or more are eligilble for a 40 percent state tax credit through the Neighborhood Assistance Program.
For more information about the Club or the Open House, call 540.949.4516 or go to www.augustabgclub.org.
On the streets and online: The New Dominion Magazine
The February issue of The New Dominion Magazine is on the streets at locations in Waynesboro, Staunton and Harrisonburg – and is also posted online at
TheNewDominion.com.
This month’s features:
Women at work: Two women share their experiences climbing the corporate ladder
Profiles of new Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce president Linda Hershey and new Mathers Team president Teresa Gauldin.
Lens crafters: Local club learning art of making movies the hands-on way
Inside the 2011 Waynesboro Short Film Competition – with a local filmmaking club that will be entering a film in the competition.
Arizona aftermath: Shootings force rethinking on interactions between politicians, citizens
The New Dominion talks with local elected leaders and security experts to make sense of what can be done to keep people safe when dealing with local government.
Market niche: Music teacher meets need with strings business
The strings teachers at Eastern Mennonite University had a problem. One of the teachers figured out a way to solve the problem – and started a business in the process.
Dynamic duo: Comic-book fans put up a shingle in Staunton
When they first broached the topic a year and a half ago, it wasn’t anything even remotely serious. A comic-book shop? Sure. Every little boy who gets hooked on his first Superman or Mad dreams of opening a comic-book shop.
Keeping it real: Charlottesville acting, modeling school pushes self-esteem
The curriculum at Cville Performing Arts includes a range of acting and modeling classes for children, teens and adults.
Augusta Chamber launches free prescription cards program
The Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce introduce today a free Chamber RX drug discount card.
Chamber RX is a program of Chamber Solutions, a Norfolk-based firm providing services to chambers of commerce. The card is offered in an effort to make prescription drugs more affordable, especially to people with no health insurance or those who have insurance, but with limited or no prescription coverage.
The card covers medications that are FDA-approved brand name drugs and generic equivalents. There are no costs associated with the program, neither to Chamber members or cardholders who sign up.
Pharmacy discounts are not insurance cards and are not intended as a substitute for insurance. The program is managed by Health Trans, a pharmacy benefit administrator, offering discount programs that help individuals save on prescriptions. The cards are made available through 58,000 chain and independent pharmacies and healthcare service networks nationwide.
“Everyone is accepted, regardless of current health conditions or age, and the card can be used by the entire family with no limits on prescriptions.” said Linda Hershey, president and CEO of the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Our main goal is to create a healthy workforce and give back to the community by helping to lower the costs of prescriptions drugs.”
On Thursday, cards will be available from Chamber member exhibitors during the Chamber’s Business Showcase, which is being held at the Best Western Waynesboro Suites & Conference Center from 1-5 p.m. The show is free and open to the general public.
Effective Friday, the cards will be available at member distribution locations throughout the Waynesboro, Staunton and Augusta County (call the Chamber for exact locations) or may be downloaded online at www.chamberRX.com. Just choose The Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce as your connection.
In addition, cards will be available at the Chamber office, 30 Ladd Road in Fishersville (540.324.1133) and member businesses.
To find out more about this new community outreach program, visit www.augustava.com and click on the members SAVE logo at the bottom of the home page or use the Pharmacy Locator and Medication Pricing tools at www.ChamberRX.com to find the pharmacies closest to you, as well as those that offer the lowest prices for your medication.
Edited by Chris Graham. Chris can be reached at freepress2@ntelos.net.
Chamber selects new director of membership development
Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Linda Hershey announced today that John R. “Jay” Crawford has been hired as the Chamber’s director of membership development.
Crawford comes to the GARCC after serving as the director of communications for the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce and the vice president of the Greene County Chamber of Commerce, respectively. Crawford, who grew up in the Shenandoah Valley and is a 1984 graduate of James Madison University, is a communications specialist with more than 10 years experience in sales, marketing and development, and more than 15 years experience in Internet communications, web marketing and social media.
“Jay’s background is a perfect match to round off our talented staff and take our Chamber to the next level,” Hershey said.
“I am extremely excited about this opportunity,” Crawford said. “Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County have some outstanding established business people with whom I am looking forward to working. The area averages approximately 15 new startups each quarter, and the state projects continued growth for the community for the coming years. I believe this is the perfect time to be here and the perfect place to be.”
Edited by Chris Graham. Chris can be reached at freepress2@ntelos.net.
