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Chamber Chat
A Farewell Letter from the President...
I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and blessed holiday, (for most. nearly all) more prosperous New Year, and finally a "Thank You" for the opportunity to serve you the past few years as your Chamber President.
I am very proud of the accomplishments of the Chamber's past few years. We have enjoyed monthly networking breakfasts with great attendance, wonderful conversations and informative speakers. The socials have been outstanding from an "attendance" standpoint, but also enlightening for many as we have visited various business locations within the county (some having been in operation for MANY years, and for a lot of Chamber Members, the first opportunity to visit them personally).
The web site has become a valuable resource internally for members to reach out to one another, administratively to address member needs and more recently a valuable tool for the community (business and residential) to have an easy reference for reputable business resources within the county.
As we move into 2009, we are also looking at becoming leaders within the county as it relates to enhancing our "Green in Greene" efforts. If we, the business community, can lead the charge in becoming more eco-friendly and also put pressure on the government and elected officials to take a leadership role, we can all know we have made a positive investment in our county's future, for our generation partially, but most important for our overall legacy.
Perhaps the most "public" accomplishment of the past few years has been the adoption of the "Parade of Lights". In just three years, this has become a new tradition. With the help of co-Sponsors (Greene County Record and NBC29), we can only look forward to bigger and better experiences as other community, social and business groups tie in their events to this festive weekend.
While we have hated to see various Board of Director members leave us as they pursued alternative careers outside of Greene County, we have been fortunate in the new members that have stepped up and assumed the vacated role, thus bringing fresh ideas and prospective to the leadership team.
As I step down on December 31, 2008 as your President (and remain on the BOD as Past President), I find myself in a very comforting position. With all of the exciting progression we have seen and are seeing, it would be easy to fret. This however is not the case; Marianne Shepard has been elected President and will lead the charge for the next two years. The Chamber could not be in better hands.
With that, I once again want to thank everyone for the opportunity to serve you (especially as most didn't know me when elected.that was faith!).
Economically, most of us are looking for 2008 to close as rumblings of a more positive 2009 and 2010 are now being discussed. This should motivate us all to take an extra step to support fellow business leaders within our own local business community. We likely always needed one another, but now it's obvious we do!
Finally- Kaye and I wish everyone a blessed and festive holiday. We have enjoyed working with so many over the year, but like most of you as well.look forward to this time of family, friends and most important, faith.
Happy Holidays,
Alan Pyles
Greene County Chamber of Commerce
President for a few more weeks.
December Networking Breakfast Meeting Recap
Courtesy, Ginny Barefoot
Shawn Hayes hosted last week's networking breakfast at the Blue Ridge Café. We appreciated the warm hospitality and the festive Christmas decorations in his meeting room.
 Margaret Ramsey, a Chamber Board member, introduced the "Bringing Green to Greene" campaign, which is a program that will be dedicated to educating businesses and citizens in Greene County about the benefits of recycling our trash, and making environmentally friendly choices when making personal and business purchases.
Margaret pointed out that the Greene County campaign will be similar to the program that the State of Virginia already has in place, with a large focus being placed on creating public awareness.
Margaret mentioned that guidelines will soon be available to local businesses, and that those businesses that meet the "Green" criteria, will be given stickers which can be posted at their place of business, representing that they are participating this campaign to help our environment.
 Alan Pyles, owner of the Lafayette, was presented with a plaque, acknowledging that his business was the first in our area to be recognized as being "Green in Greene". Congratulations Alan!
Annual Meeting & Christmas Social Recap
Courtesy, Ginny Barefoot
 The Annual Meeting & Christmas Social was held at the Lafayette Inn on Wednesday, December 11th, and was hosted by owners Alan and Kay Pyle. As outgoing President, Alan thanked the previous Board of Directors, and introduced the 2009 Board, with Marianne Shepard being recognized as the new Chamber President.
Alan also thanked Cheryl Martino for all of her contributions to the Chamber & Board over the past few years. She has accepted a new job in Fluvanna County, and will be joining their Chamber of Commerce.
 Alan was praised for his enthusiastic leadership and his many contributions to the Chamber; we look forward to having him continue on the Board.
The meeting was followed by yummy food, festive drink, and warm conversation.
January Meeting Preview
Be sure to register for the next Chamber Networking Breakfast on January 7th
at 8:00 at the Blue Ridge Café.
The guest speaker will be Carl Schmitt of the Greene County Board of Supervisors. He will be speaking on energy efficiency. A win (Saving money), win (saving fosil fuels) win (helping reduce greenhouse gases emission) strategy.
Click here to register.
Renew Your Membership Now and SAVE 50%!!
Please note that our on-line membership renewal form is now accessible. Renew before January 31st to receive a 50% discount
of the annual fee of $120. So you can renew now for just $60, but as of February 1st, the renewal fee will return to $120.
Click here to renew today!
In and Around Greene
HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER - Greene County Culinary Arts Program
Support the local arts programs and enjoy some delicious Holiday Treats at the same time!
Click here for details. (pdf)
WANTED - Speakers for the Commonwealth Scholars Program
We are looking for speakers for the Commonwealth Scholars program. Commonwealth Scholars has business people talking to classes of 8th graders to encourage students to take challenging classes in high school. William Monroe Middle School is scheduled for Feb. 5. at 8-9 a.m.. We will offer a training session at William Monroe Middle School on Jan. 29 at 7:30 a.m. or you can attend one at Piedmont Virginia Community College, where you will get a PowerPoint presentation which you can customize with your own career and educational experiences.
Please let Suzanne Healy know if anyone would be able to participate. Many speakers find it rewarding to share their career and inspire young people.
Lifeline Community and Youth Center
Lifeline Community and Youth Center is pleased to announce the launch of our Impact Mentoring Program. This program is the first of many that Lifeline Community and Youth Center will offer. Impact Mentoring is no ordinary program. We envision a community in which every youth experiences nurturing one-to-one relationships and community support. In turn, these youth will develop into their full potential, capable of making informed, responsible decisions as involved members of our community and contributors to society.
Mentors Wanted! Impact Mentoring is looking for volunteers. There is no better place to look than in our local businesses. Right now there is a great need for trustworthy leaders for our youth. In the effort to position our youth to avoid life's pitfalls, we need volunteers who are willing to spend 2 hours a week with their student.
Being an Impact Mentor is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. For more information on how you can Impact the lives of today's youth please call 434-985-1800, or visit our website at www.lifelinecommunityandyouthcenter.org.
Help Wanted - K. Hovnanian Four Seasons
I am in need of a part-time staff or someone who might want some extra hours for the holidays at the front desk? The pay is at least $7.50 an hour. I mostly need the 2nd shift which starts around 1 or 2pm to closing which is around 8pm. I do have some flexibility with the shifts if someone can only to the “AM” shift or “MID-DAY” shift. There are at least 1 to 2 weekend shift involved a month. I didn’t know if Greene Chamber had a section where I can post this? Or if you know of any places that would allow you to list your request (free)? They can start immediately. I would estimate about 10-15 hours a week – possibly more in November.
If you need more information or description of the job please let me know!
Thanks and have a super day!
Sandra L. Barry
Lifestyle Director, Clubhouse
K. Hovnanian Four Seasons - Charlottesville
444 Four Seasons Drive
Ruckersville, VA 22968
(434) 990-2012 clubhouse
(540) 664-2049 cell
LD@4seasonslifestyle-cville.com
The EDA Corner
Presented by:
Tony Williams, Director, EDA
Looking toward the New Year with the Greene County EDA
The Economic Development Office is aware of the challenges that many are facing during this world engulfing economic down. To assist those in need there are programs that focus on practical solutions which will help businesses to continue and prosper.
The CVSBDC is offering two new classes in addition to their free one-on-one confidential counseling sessions to further assist businesses during the economic downturn. Develop a Targeted Marketing Strategy will be offered from 3:00 to 4:30pm on December 16, January 13 and February 17. Understanding and Preparing Cash Flow Projections will be offered from 3:00 to 4:30pm on December 17, January 14 and February 18. To register for these classes or for more information, please call SBDC at 434-295-8198 or email them at sbdc@cstone.net. You can also visit their website at www.avenue.org/sbdc.
 , who also provides free counseling services to both start-up and existing small businesses, offered two great workshops this month: How to Survive the Recession and How To Write an Effective Business Plan. Keep an eye on their website, www.score-494.org, for information on future workshops and seminars. They are available to serve Greene County in anyway they can, so don't hesitate to contact Jack G. Peltier or Michael Ludgate at 434-295-6712 for help and advice on your business concerns.
Here at the Economic Development authority, we are available to assist you in many ways and to support and direct you to business solutions. As part of the Business First program, we would like to get your comments and concerns on current services offered in the County. We hope you will please take the time to print out the following survey and mail it to the EDA office at P.O. Box 852, Stanardsville, VA 22973. Of course don't hesitate to contact us with your concerns or questions any time directly at 434-985-6663 or eda@gcva.us, twilliams@gcva.us.
Click here to view survey (pdf)
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