News Maker Vanessa McAllister on changes at the Valor Awards
There have been some changes to the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber’s (TVRC) Valor Awards this year.
We spoke to the Director of Programs and Events for TVRC Vanessa McAllister about those changes in our latest news maker.
News makers are sponsored by Warren County Together We are Community.
Vanessa tells us about the new date and location of the awards banquet this year.
She also tells us that the new date is likely to be used for years in the future as well.
Vanessa also tells us how to nominate someone for the awards and how they are selected.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
News Maker Cynthia Schneider on Hob Nob in the Valley
The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber (TVRC) is bringing back their Hob Nob in the Valley bigger and better than ever.
We spoke TVRC CEO Cynthia Schneider about the event in our latest news maker.
News makers are sponsored by Warren County Together We are Community.
Cynthia explains why the event was not held for a couple of years.
She also tells us what to expect at the event this year.
TVRC Hob Nob in the Valley is a great opportunity to meet and learn with successful business people.
The Hob Nob in the Valley will be held Thursday August 24 and you can register for the event here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Top of Virginia names Greater Good Award recipients
The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber of Clarke, Frederick, and Winchester announced their recipients of the 2022 Greater Good Awards.
The goal of the Awards is to celebrate individuals and businesses for their contributions to the quality of life and economic stability of the region through genuine community commitment, dedication to excellence, and ethical and creative business practices.
The winners include:
Entrepreneur of the Year- Darrin Jones, Jones Funeral Home and Cremation Services
Small Business of the Year- Bonnie Blue Southern Market and Bakery
Large Business of the Year- Tri-State Nissan
CTE Teacher of the Year- Shaine Coleman, Clarke County Public Schools
Emerging Leader- Katie Landi Jordan
Nonprofit of the Year- Literacy Volunteers Winchester Area
Citizen of the Year- Dr. John Lamanna
Lifetime Community Impact Award- James R. Wilkins, Jr and Rosie Walsh
Additional information and nominees are available here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
First Responders and local heroes recognized at Valor Awards
Winchester and Frederick County First Responders and local heroes were honored at the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Valor Awards.
Categories at the 10th annual awards presentation included Lifesaving, Unit Lifesaving, Unit Citation, and Meritorious Action as well as awarding Certificates of Valor.
The Silver Valor Award was presented to Morgan Minor of the WPD for her acts involving significant personal risk and bravery.
The Gold Award of Valor was given to Sam Debergh for their acts of supreme sacrifice or extreme personal risk and heroism that goes above and beyond the call of duty.
For a video from the City of Winchester on Derbergh’s heroic actions, click here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Community Leadership Program: A Leader’s Perspective
The conversation for The Valley Business Today with host Janet Michael featured Kory Campbell, Director of Marketing & Communications and Vanessa McAllister, Director of Programs and Events for the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber to talk about the chamber’s recent move to Winchester Regional Airport and the Community Leadership Program. Click here to listen to the conversation.
The Community Leadership Program – now entering it’s 26th year – is a nine-month program that runs from September through May. The program begins with an orientation, followed by monthly sessions studying specific topics including:
- Leadership/Teamwork
- Non-Profits
- Community Culture
- Agriculture
- Media
- Government/Economic Development
- Education
- Health Care
- Public Safety
- Simulated Society
- Community Problem Solving
The sessions are led by a combination of community leaders, professional facilitators, and specialists in the respective fields. This program is designed to provide insight into the challenges and opportunities that exist in the City of Winchester, Clarke County, and Frederick County, Virginia. Applications are being accepted through June 30 and can be found here: https://www.regionalchamber.biz/community-leadership-program/
Joining them for the conversation was Ben Savory, owner of Summit Events and a recent graduate of the Community Leadership Program who gave his perspective on the importance of programs like this. He told about the things that he learned about the community and explained what he plans to do with his newly obtained knowledge and insight.
Before they wrapped up the conversation, Kory gave details for the chamber’s move from Old Town Winchester to their new offices located in a hangar at Winchester Regional Airport. This move is temporary – 2 years – while a new business terminal is being constructed which will become the chamber’s new permanent home. He also talked about a few upcoming chamber events including: Business After Hours on June 29, 2022 at Shenandoah Valley Golf Club from 5:30pm – 7pm; Business After Hours on July 13, 2022 at Market Street United Methodist Church from 5:30pm – 7pm; and a Lunch & Learn about leasing standards on July 26, 2022 from 12pm – 1pm via Zoom.
For more information about chamber membership, programs and events, visit their website: https://www.regionalchamber.biz/ and follow them on Facebook.
News Maker Cynthia Schneider on TVRC new location
The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber (TVRC) has moved their offices to a new location.
We spoke with TVRC’s CEO Cynthia Schneider in our latest news maker.
News makers are brought to you by Warren County Together We are Community.
Cynthia tells us about the new offices and the new opportunities available.
She also tells us the advantages of being at the Winchester Regional Airport.
Cynthia also tells us to look forward to a ribbon cutting coming soon in typical TVRC style.
Click here for Cynthia’s interview.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
News Maker Cynthia Schneider on TVRC new location
The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber (TVRC) has moved their offices to a new location.
We spoke with TVRC’s CEO Cynthia Schneider in our latest news maker.
News makers are brought to you by Warren County Together We are Community.
Cynthia tells us about the new offices and the new opportunities available.
She also tells us the advantages of being at the Winchester Regional Airport.
Cynthia also tells us to look forward to a ribbon cutting coming soon in typical TVRC style.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
The Valley Business Today: Winchester Rescue Mission Expands
The “Valley Business Today” conversation with host Janet Michael and co-host Kory Campbell, Director of Marketing & Communications with Top of Virginia Regional Chamber included Pastor Brandan Thomas from Winchester Rescue Mission to give details about his organization and their current expansion to Valley Avenue in Winchester. Click here to listen to the conversation.
Brandan talked about the services that Winchester Rescue Mission offers to members in need in our community.
Resident Shelter Programs meet the most basic and immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness. Each night, men, women, and families find a warm bed and safety from the streets at the Winchester Rescue Mission. The center for men can currently sleep up to 32 while their center for women can currently sleep 15.
Case Management provides a case worker to work one-on-one with each person to develop a personalized plan to address needs including healthcare, mental health, literacy, and employment with the goal of helping them change unhealthy patterns of behavior, heal, and become a contributing member of our community.
Food Distribution and Community Meals are provided through a partnershiup with the local food bank, as well as grocers, stores, and other businesses that donate baked goods, meats, fresh produce, and other food items. The food distribution is open to anyone in the community currently needing food for themselves and their families.
Community dinner is served 7 days a week, 365 days a year at 5pm. The dinner is not only open to those finding shelter at Winchester Rescue Mission, but is open to individuals and families of the Winchester community. Click here to view the calendar.
Hygiene Services such as restrooms, hot showers and personal hygiene supplies as well as laundry facilities are available to all guests. The Winchester Rescue Mission’s shower and laundry facilities are also open to the community. Men can use these services Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:30am – 1:30pm. Women seeking to use these services should contact Winchester Rescue Mission to schedule a time for use.
Brandan also explained what the expansion to Valley Avenue will mean to the number of people they will be able to serve in our community – nearly double. They will also be able to expand their services to women and families, classroom space, and year-round emergency shelter. Get more details about the new building located at 2655 Valley Avenue by clicking here.
You can donate, volunteer, and get more information about Winchester Rescue Mission on their website: https://www.winrescue.org/ and by following them on Facebook.
Kory gave information about the “big move” the chamber is making to Winchester Regional Airport on June 16 and are looking forward to serving their members from the new location. He also gave us details for a few upcoming chamber events such as the Community Leadership Program graduation, Corporate Challenge, and Business After Hours.
Get more details about the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber on their website: https://www.regionalchamber.biz/ and by following them on Facebook.
A Conversation with a Few Greater Good Award Winners
Today’s conversation for The Valley Business Today with host, Janet Michael was recorded on location at Shaffer’s BBQ & Market in Middletown. Shaffer’s owner, Matt was recently named the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber’s Small Business of the Year at their Greater Good Awards which took place on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at Shenandoah Valley Golf Club. You can listen to the show by clicking here.
Vanessa McAllister, Director of Programs & Events for the chamber was Janet’s co-host today. Joining them for the conversation was Frederick County Sheriff, Lenny Millholland who was recently named Citizen of the Year, and Barry Lee who received the Lifetime Community Impact Award. The group talked about the event and what being winning meant to each of them. The conversation was full of stories and laughter.
The purpose of the “Greater Good Awards” is to celebrate outstanding individuals and businesses for the contributions they make to the quality of life and economic stability of our region through genuine community commitment, dedication to excellence, and ethical and creative business practices. Award winners are chosen by an impartial committee of past Chamber board chairs. Awards include Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Non-profit of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Emerging Leader Award, James R. Wilkins Sr. Legacy Award, and Lifetime Community Impact Award.
Other award winners from the event were:
Katrina Smith – RE/MAX Synergy | Entrepreneur of the Year
Valley Proteins, Inc. | Large Business of the Year
David Kent | Emerging Leader
Winchester Rescue Mission | Non-Profit of the Year
Vanessa also talked about the newly named Legacy Awards. Before the conversation wrapped, Vanessa gave a few details for some upcoming events: Corporate Challenge, Valor Awards & Valley Business Women‘s Night Out.
For more information about the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber or to watch the replay of the Greater Good Awards, visit their website: https://www.regionalchamber.biz/ and follow them on Facebook.
TVRC Greater Good Awards
Top of Virginia Regional Chamber (TVRC) announced the winners of their Greater Good Awards.
The Greater Good Awards celebrate outstanding individuals and businesses for their contributions to the quality of life and economic stability to the Northern Shenandoah Valley region.
TVRC Greater Good award winners include:
Entrepreneur of the Year Katrina Kimbro Smith.
Small Business of the Year Award went to Shaffer’s BBQ and Market.
Large Business of the Year Award went to Valley Proteins Inc.
David Kent of Signet Marketing won Emerging Leader of the Year Award.
Nonprofit of the Year Award went to Winchester Rescue Mission.
Frederick County Sheriff Lenny Millholland won Citizen of the Year Award.
With the Lifetime Community Impact Award going to Breakfast with Berry Lee.
Award winners are chosen by an impartial committee of past chamber members and board chairpersons.
You can nominate an organization or person for a Greater Good Award for next year’s ceremony at regionalchamber.biz.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.