The Greene County Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to advancing the economic vitality and quality of life in the Greene County area so that the entire community shall prosper.
Timeline PhotosThis #WhatsUpWednesday is all about are Highlands Kids! 🤸👩🏻🤝👩🏼🤹 We so appreciate the fun moments they bring to The Highlands! Visit us today & purchase a #PiratePetes #minigolf pass for the Summer! ☀️ #WeGotchaCovered
#affordablefun #learntogolf #juniorgolf #schooloutings
FRIDAY FUN!!!
⭐️YouTube Channel Spotlight⭐️
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Terrace
⭐️GCOC GOLD MEMBER⭐️
Stacy Griffith tells us about the fabulous business she works for in Greene County!
GCOC Chamber Chatter
April 2021
us20.campaign-archive.com
Hello, Greene County Chamber Business Members – I wanted to remind you about the RADIO marketing opportunity to support Greene County Chambers business members in general, and specifically for your business through a grant from the EDA as a benefit to you as a Greene Chamber of Commerce member.....This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.
⭐️GOLD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT⭐️
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Josh
As a resident of Virginia for over 25 years, I'm proud to serve Charlottesville and the surrounding areas as your local Farmers® agent. I pride myself and my staff on providing outstanding customer service and ensuring each client is educated on their specific coverage options.
With over 8 years of insurance industry experience, I have the knowledge and skill-set to help you better understand your coverage options--whether that be for auto, home, life, business insurance and much more!
We invite you to stop by our office which is conveniently located on Rt. 29, 5 miles north of the Charlottesville airport in beautiful Greene County. We are in the same shopping center as Holiday Inn Express, Anytime Fitness, and right next door to Dunkin' Donuts... YUM! We will ensure that the insurance process is straightforward and personalized to help you select the most comprehensive, cost-effective solution.
Give me a call at (434) 202-7302 and I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have.
⭐️GOLD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT⭐️
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Piper
Piper Ivy Preschool offers early childhood education to children ages 2 to 5 years of age. In addition to a traditional Preschool we also offer before/afterschool and summer camp to children ages 5-12 years old. We are a licensed facility that also participates in the Virginia Quality Program. We are located in Stanardsville within walking distance of the Public School Complex. Piper Ivy is locally owned by a Greene County lifelong resident, Piper Gilbert.
Your child will be involved in a planned program. The daily activities shall be developmentally appropriate and promote the individual child's physical, intellectual, emotional and social wellbeing and growth. The daily schedule is flexible with a balance of active and quiet activities as well as promoting curiosity and exploration. We will plan indoor and outdoor activities to encourage children to explore. Firsthand experiences that expand children's vocabulary, such as trips in the community and exposure to various tools, objects, and materials.
Young children need developmentally appropriate experiences and teaching to support learning. Positive, nurturing relationships with adults who engage in responsive conversations with individual children, model reading and writing behavior, and foster children's interest in and enjoyment of reading and writing Print-rich environments that provide opportunities and tools for children to see and use written language for a variety of purposes, with teachers drawing children's attention to specific letters and words. Teaching strategies and experiences that develop phonemic awareness, such as songs, fingerplays, games, poems, and stories in which phonemic patterns such as rhyme and alliteration are salient opportunities to engage in play that incorporates literacy tools, such as dramatic play, block building, and sensory.
Spaces are limited Open Enrollment Year Round!
⭐️GOLD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT⭐️
Armstrong & Associates International, Inc.
Armstrong & Associates (A&A) offers Association Management and Legislative and Governmental Affairs Services. A&A is located in Central Virginia providing easy access to Washington, D.C. A&A is the home-base of six non-profit business associations. In 2008, Shari A. Bedker became the owner and President of Armstrong & Associates. A&A was established in 1989 by Suzanne A. Bingham.
A&A provides Association Management Services for six national and international non-profit professional associations, administering day-to-day operations, providing financial management services, and implementing communications for the organizations. A&A also provides Congressional Services, providing legislative and governmental affairs support by tracking congressional legislation on specific issues.
A&A President, Shari Bedker, was recently interviewed by The Wall Street Journal in their article titled “Law Firms Gear Up for Expected Jump in Bankruptcies Triggered by Coronavirus.”
armstrongassoc.com
⭐️GOLD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT⭐️
Maybelle’s Market
It’s about being there for your neighbors and your community.
Our family has called western Greene County home for nearly 40 years. We love the mountains, we love the people. What we didn’t love was having to drive 15 miles to get a good sandwich. So one evening in the Spring of 2018, while driving through Dyke, a “For Sale” sign on the old Dyke Store caught our eye.
This is our community, our home. We raise our kids here. We build our dreams here. We harvest our hay in the summer and we tend our cattle in the winter, just like our neighbors. Just like the generations before.
In the day and age of Wal-Mart, chain restaurants and cookie-cutter convenience stores, the family-owned corner market is a rare and special breed. In our opinion, it is time such a place makes a comeback.
So now, we set about building something we can all be proud of. Something that reflects everything that’s special about our home and our history. It will be a family adventure, a desire to create something new and refreshing that also feels comfortable and timeless.
We hope you’ll join us!
www.mymaybelles.com
⭐️GOLD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT⭐️
Artale Bookkeeping & Payroll Services, LLC
Artale Bookkeeping Services, LLC is dedicated to serving small and home-based businesses. We pride ourselves on providing one-on-one attention to our clients and providing them with the personalized services they need. We provide bookkeeping, payroll and account clean-up services.
540-219-0529
Thank you to the participants of last night’s Trivia Fun! It was so great getting to know fun facts about our Board & Members, and the amount of laughter at Josh Griffith’s (Farmers Insurance) expense was priceless! Hope everyone will be able to join us next time! The winner of our trivia night was Michelle Lawson (BOST) - who has graciously offered her gift certificate prize to the next new member of the GCOC!!! 🎉🤗
Had a lot of fun! Thank you for hosting!
⭐️GOLD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT⭐️
BOST BENEFITS
ENEFITS
Lawson
Medical Benefits Planning -
We work together in partnership to achieve a better bottom-line through cost reduction strategies, HRIS technology and solutions to reduce the burden on Human Resources.
The benefits administration process can be time consuming, expensive and inefficient.
Employers:
Communicating the value of employee benefits is a perpetual challenge for agents and employers alike.
Consumers:
BOST helps individuals make better decisions as consumers of healthcare through education and benefit choices that matter most.
Let BOST help you find the right plan.
www.bostbenefits.com/Lawson
⭐️GOLD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT⭐️
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Make
Transforming Houses into Homes!
The main objective of real estate staging is to impart an atmosphere of universal appeal to the property for sale, both inside and out. This is the very best way to get the home sold in the most efficient and profitable manner.
We start with a personalized consultation for your home. After, we create a personalized proposal with recommendations that will give you the best bang for your buck. Depending on your needs, we'll source all the necessary furniture, accessories and materials and/ or create a detailed project plan to make your own furnishings highlight your homes best features.
Keep this in mind... the investment in staging is always less than your first price drop. The longer you are on the market, the less likely you are to get top dollar. Let us help you sell quickly and keep more of your hard earned dollars!
www.makeithomestaging.com
FRIDAY FUN!!!
⭐️You Tube Channel Spotlight!⭐️
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Josh
⭐️ GCOC Gold Member ⭐️
Josh Griffith tells us a little about his business in Greene County!
⭐️GOLD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT⭐️
Web Weaving & Consulting
Web Weaving & Consulting, LLC is a website and graphic design company dedicated to offering personalized, cost-effective web site development services to all types of businesses and organizations. We invest the time and consideration necessary to present unique solutions and trustworthy opinions.
Our personalized approach is the foundation which has allowed Web Weaving to grow and create many trusted relationships in the community since the company's creation in 1996. After nearly two decades of experience, we continue to offer services based on a no-risk relationship reinforced by time-tested advice, free estimates, and even sample designs with no obligation.
Web Weaving is located just north of Charlottesville in Ruckersville, Virginia, and our clients come from all over the United States. We successfully neogotiate short- and long-distance partnerships because we establish efficient ways to assess our clients' needs to produce results reliably, promptly, and conveniently. We can do the same for you! Take a look through our web site to see all the services we offer, and then send us some details about your web site needs and ideas.
Over the years, we have served a wide variety of businesses, creating designs that enhance marketing presence and reflect the individual needs of each client. You can hear it in the voices of our grateful clients. Our greatest asset is our ability to listen and adapt our services to develop a site that is an extension of you and your business.
www.webweaving.com
Don’t forget to register!!!
See everyone tonight!!! 😊
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⭐️GOLD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT⭐️
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Ruckersville
Visit your Ruckersville Domino's Pizza today for a signature pizza or oven baked sandwich.
434-481-5050
344 N Stoneridge Drive
Ruckersville, VA 22968
⭐️GOLD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT⭐️
The Greene Hills Club
Welcome to the Greene Hills Golf & Swim Club! Located in scenic Central Virginia, this semi-private Greene County golf club offers a relaxing getaway for both the recreational and the wannabe pro-golfer, as well as an exciting outing for the entire family.
With eighteen challenging holes on a beautiful 200+ acre course, you could spend the entire day encouraging your friends or beating your personal best. With a driving range, multiple practice areas and a fully-stocked golf shop, you'll never have to play unprepared.
Are you or a family member interested in more than just golf? Enjoy our 25-meter swimming pool, which is equipped with a diving board and water slide and serves as home to the Greene Hills Gators swim team. For those interested in tennis, we also offer two tennis courts.
End your day with a trip to The Hills Grille, where the staff is friendly, food is fresh and the drinks are cold. Try one of our made-to-order sandwiches from cheeseburgers to clubs, enjoy a nice tossed salad, or sample a tasty appetizer.
Greene Hills hosts tournaments and events throughout each and every year. Members and guests compete for fame and prizes or just a chance to mingle with other golfers. Greene Hills is proud to have one of the largest and most active Ladies Golf Associations (LGA) in Virginia. The LGA participates in a number of Central Virginia leagues across all skill levels. The senior men's league competes across the state.
For over 50 years, Greene Hills has offered members and guests, a challenging golf course, a variety of family friendly activities and an opportunity to relax at the Hills Grille.
Stop by anytime to see how you and your family will enjoy Greene Hills.
You will hear, "Welcome to the Hills!"
www.greenehillsclub.com
Don’t forget to register for tomorrow! Trivia, Fun, Networking, Prizes!!! Tell a friend! Bring the fam! Are you thinking of joining the Chamber, or just want some really cool news friends to hang out with?
Sign up to play!!!
All Are Welcome!!!
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⭐️GOLD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT⭐️
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Terrace
NOW LEASING!
Luxurious one and two bedroom apartments, featuring resort style living with elevators, covered garage parking, pool, fitness center and community room all conveniently located in one building.
terracegreene.com
Pioneer BankThe Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was amended this month to make it easier for many small businesses and independent contractors to participate. These are individuals whom receive 1099s, work for themselves, or are independent contractors. Common examples of sole proprietorships who file Schedules C or F with their tax returns are:
• Hairdressers/Spa Workers
• House/Cabin Cleaners/independent janitors
• Truck Drivers
• Real Estate Agents
• Child Care Providers
• Independent Lawn Care/ landscape Providers
• Independent Construction/Tradesmen
• Farmers
• Sole Owner businesses
Whether you are applying for your first PPP loan, or your second, our experienced Commercial Lenders are ready to assist. Don't delay, applications are being accepted through March 31st. Give us a call today and #MakeYourMove.
Don’t forget to register!!!
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⭐️GOLD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT⭐️
Fulton Mortgage Company
(434) 975-2319
We open doors and opportunities. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to refinance or invest, Fulton Mortgage Company offers a wide range of mortgage products and solutions to meet your unique needs. Our experienced and dedicated professionals will help guide you every step of the way from getting pre-qualified to final closing.
⭐️GOLD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT⭐️
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Blue
We sell more trailers in Virginia than any other dealer because we to provide you with:
*Quality Choices in a Trailer including Custom Features for unique Customer Needs
*A Professional Sales Staff
*Expert Service Technicians
*Talented Fabrication
*Repair Expertise
*”White Glove” Customer Service
*Window Shopping Any Time as our Price Tags are Descriptive and Informative for every Trailer
We want you to be more than just a satisfied customer before, during and long after the sale.
Call us at 434-985-4151. We would like to help you!
www.blueridgetrailer.com
⭐️GOLD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT⭐️
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Cottages
The Cottages at Chesley Creek Farm are romantic cabins for two in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, far away from the hustle and bustle; a place to commune with nature and unwind from the stress of the city living, kids, and commitments in your own cabin. Located in Greene County, about 18 miles NW of Charlottesville, our four cabins – CREEK HOUSE, LAURELWOOD, PINES and RIDGE – and our newest addtion, the LOG HOUSE - are situated on over 200 acres in the Blue Ridge, surrounded on one side by a 1500 acre parcel, and on the other by a 1000 acre parcel – very secluded and private.
www.chesleycreekfarm.com
Congratulations, you deserve recognition.
Wow....so deserved.
⭐️Gold Member Spotlight!⭐️
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Blue
INVITES YOU TO DISCOVER THE BLUE RIDGE COFFEE CRAFTERS DIFFERENCE!
www.blueridgecoffeecrafters.com
⭐️YouTube Channel Spotlight!⭐️
Armstrong & Associates International, Inc.
⭐️ GCOC Gold Member ⭐️
Shari Lester Bedker tells us a little about her business in Greene County!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-G62UYnKKA
Beautiful day to be outside!!! 🏌️♀️☀️Happy Friday! Have you seen? The Highlands, Premier Golf Practice & Learning Center, is Celebrating 🍀 St. Patrick's Day NOW through March 17th! So with EVERY visit, a purchase of ANY size Bucket of Balls or a game of Pirate Pete's Mini-Golf, allows you to enter more than ONCE for a chance to WIN one of three PRIZES! So bring your 🍀 Irish Luck out for some fun!
#letsgetthispaddystarted #stpatricksday #golfrange #highlandsgolfpark #piratepetes #minigolf #outsidefun #freshair #familyfun #getoutside #premiergolfpractice bit.ly/39vjPbZ
Member Update-
PJ has moved locations!
From Phil Jaderborg, CEO -
Our new location is:
520 Greenfield Terrace
Charlottesville, VA 22901
This is right around the corner from Rio Road and Berkmar Drive.
Our phone numbers will not change! You will still be able to reach us at 434-975-0122.
We look forward to seeing you at our new location!
March 2021 Chamber Chatter!
us20.campaign-archive.com/?u=073123b6ac57f5d58b8c04628&id=cc607028a6
us20.campaign-archive.com
Hello, Greene County Chamber Business Members – I wanted to remind you about the RADIO marketing opportunity to support Greene County Chambers business members in general, and specifically for your business through a grant from the EDA as a benefit to you as a Greene Chamber of Commerce member.....
Please help us welcome our newest GCOC Board Member,
Ashley Artale!
A little bit about Ashley...
As a resident of Greene County for the past six years and growing up in Madison County I have always been an active member of the local community. I am excited to be a member of the Greene County Chamber of Commerce and look forward to working more closely with more local business owners! I currently own and operate Artale Bookkeeping & Consulting Services, Make it Home – Staging & Design and Make it Home – The Studio!
Artale Bookkeeping & Consulting Services works with various small to mid-size businesses providing bookkeeping, payroll and business consulting that help them restore balance in their business so that they can get back to doing what they love.
Make it Home - Staging and Design was born from the belief that great design creates an emotional connection between people and houses. We partner with homeowners to transform houses into HOMES - whether it is for themselves or their potential buyers. We leverage our knowledge and experience in selling real estate, renovation and flipping homes, interior design, and staging homes for sale to support our clients in attaining their goals. Whether you want to sell it fast for top dollar - or make your spaces feel more like HOME - we look forward to working with you! (makeithomestaging.com)
At Make it Home - The Studio we are all about supporting each other's endeavors. As such, we are open to sharing our 'HOME' studio with you! If you are looking for occasional space to rock your business, we have some extra space that may help you! We have spaces available for local entrepreneurs that need occasional use spaces for their businesses and to collaborate in small groups. If you are looking to host an event, we have space for your next small gathering!! (Makeithomethestudio.com)
I currently serve President of the Greene County Child Care Center Board and spearheaded project management for their new building design and construction that was completed in December 2020. The Greene County Child Care Center is a non-profit childcare and preschool providing quality childcare for the local community since 1971. GCCCC offers full time and part time programs for ages 16 months through 5 years, including a pre-kindergarten educational program. For ages 5 through 12, GCCCC offers before and after school care, as well as a full day summer program. (www.greenecountychildcare.com)
As Treasurer of the Madison Hockey League, we are currently working on plans for relocation of the current hockey rink to Hoover Ridge Park that will give the community a wonderful place for roller hockey for many years to come. Madison Hockey League offers affordable recreation roller hockey to players ages 4-18 from Madison County and the surrounding areas. (www.madisonhockey.com)
I’m so very proud of my niece!!
Thank you,Ashley for serving the business community by serving on the board!
Hello, Greene County Chamber Business Members –
I wanted to remind you about the RADIO marketing opportunity to support Greene County Chambers business members in general, and specifically for your business through a grant from the EDA as a benefit to you as a Greene Chamber of Commerce member.
If you choose to participate, you will be included in over 150 mentions spread throughout our 6 stations. The main campaign is on 92.7, Cville Country and 97.5, 3WV, but messages will run across our other stations as well. I am currently filling up the calendar for 4 members to participate per month. As you may be aware, this is set up for all the Chamber members to share, so the intention is for you to run this for one month and then another member will take advantage of the program after you. As a member, you would receive approximately 35-40 words for your business. I will be happy to help you craft that message.
Your cost is ONLY $91 and I will send you an invoice that you will then pay to the Chamber. Once the one-month campaign is over, if you wanted to look into an on-going campaign on our stations, I or one of my colleagues would be happy to assist you.
Please let me know if you would like additional information, or if you would like to go ahead and reserve your space NOW for a month between now and May.
RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW!
There is one slot currently available for March, so act now if you are interested!
Susan Terwilleger
Senior Marketing Consultant
Office: 434-220-2320
Cell: 434-465-1290
Email: Susan@wina.com
We love our local businesses!GreeneTogether.com is a new & growing Community Directory for Greene County. If you own a business and are licensed in Greene, register today for a free listing:
www.greenetogether.com/
The month of March will be Greene's Small Business month as we strive to get the word out to our residents about GreeneTogether.com, a great resource for finding local businesses...help Keep the Green in Greene!
SCORE Mentors
Welcome SCORE as one of our newest GCOC members!
What is SCORE?
SCORE’s mission is to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education. With the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs since 1964.
American Pickers is coming back to Virginia! If you or someone you know is interested, please see the information in the Press Release below.
Give the gift of GOLF this Valentine’s Day!
Highlands Golf Park
www.highlandsgolfpark.com
For Immediate Release
Name of Press Contact: Rebecca Burtram
Date: 2/5/2021
Phone: 434.951.6653 (office) or 434.987.0728 (cell)
Email: rburtram@hwllp.cpa
Charlottesville, VA –Local organizations partner to provide economically disadvantaged individuals and families free tax return preparation for tax year 2020.
Cville Tax Aid functions as an initiative of the United Way of Greater Charlottesville in partnership with Madison House Creating Assets, Savings and Hope (CASH) program. The program coordinates with IRS-trained student volunteers to offer free tax preparation and filing to area residents with household income less than $57,000 per year.
Since its inception, the program has provided over 22,500 returns, producing an economic impact of $37 million.
Typically, UVA Madison House provides over 180 volunteers who meet clients face to face. This year over 263 volunteers have been recruited and trained, however they are unable to meet with taxpayers in person due to safety concerns with COVID-19.
The move to a virtual platform has created a slower ramp-up to launching the program, which ultimately reduces the number of returns that may be prepared, particularly with the IRS opening date delayed until February 12.
In response, Hantzmon Wiebel LLP, a Charlottesville-based tax, accounting, and advisory firm, has committed to prepare a minimum of 100 tax returns during February to assist the program. Jennifer Lehman, CPA, CGMA, Partner, and CEO, says, "Historically, we have been financial supporters of Cville Tax Aid. This year, our team looks forward to rolling up our sleeves to make sure this program continues to meet the needs of as many as possible."
Prior to COVID-19, Cville Tax Aid representatives anticipated assisting over 3,000 taxpayers in 2020 but completed less than 2,000 returns. Ravi Respeto, President and CEO of the United Way of Greater Charlottesville, says, "With a collaboration such as this, we hope to prioritize and serve our most vulnerable families to enable them to maximize their refunds to positively impact their household income."
The economic impact of the Tax Aid program reaches beyond the funds participants receive from their tax returns. Government assistance programs often require applicants to provide a copy of their tax returns in order to receive aid.
Respeto says, "We do not want families that are suffering financially to resort to use of refund anticipation loans or paid preparation that significantly reduces their much-needed refund."
Those in need of the program can contact Cville Tax Aid to make an appointment. For more information on Cville Tax Aid visit www.unitedwaycville.org/cvilletaxaid.
About the United Way of Greater Charlottesville
Focusing on financial stability, school readiness, and connected community, the United Way allocates resources to solution-oriented organizations and initiatives that address these issues at scale. We tackle systems and structures that cause discrepancies of equity and opportunity in Charlottesville and the surrounding area with the goal of reducing poverty in our community. For more information, visit www.unitedwaycville.org, or follow @UnitedWayCville on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.
About Hantzmon Weibel LLP
Hantzmon Wiebel LLP provides tax, accounting, and advisory services for businesses, individuals, and nonprofit organizations. Our team walks with clients to help them take the right steps to maximize their resources and achieve their goals. As the largest and most experienced accounting firm in Central Virginia, Hantzmon Wiebel has been recognized as a top firm by both Forbe's and Inside Public Accounting.
February 2021 Chamber Chatter!
us20.campaign-archive.com/?u=073123b6ac57f5d58b8c04628&id=5ff22bee9d
Chamber Chatter - February 2021
us20.campaign-archive.com
SCORE’s mission is to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education. With the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs since 1964.
So glad Murphy’s is in Greene!We’re turning ONE!!! And to celebrate we have a special Birthday Cake Bagel AND $2 speciality coffee ALL WEEK! That’s right, grab a latte, cappuccino, flat white for only $2, and try our special Birthday Cake bagel!
We couldn’t have survived our first year without the AMAZING support of YOU, and our fabulous team of STAFF so we want to celebrate!
Come on in and grab something different this week and SMILE cause life is good when coffee and bagels are just down the road. 🥳🥯🎂☕️
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#ruckersville #visitvirginia #uva #charlottesville #charlottesvillevirginia #cville #charlottesvilleva #universityofvirginia #yumstagram #bagelshop #foodstagram #foodie #nystylebagels #bagelsandwich #foodlover #freshbagels #coffeeculture #coffeetime #instacoffee #coffeeoftheday #caffeine #specialtycoffee #butfirstcoffee #premiumcoffee #LoveVA #thirdwavecoffee #naturalingredients #murphyscoffeebagelhouse #housemade #artisan
REC Warns of Sophisticated Phone Scammers
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) warns member-owners to beware of scammers posing as REC employees and threatening to disconnect power unless payment is made over the phone.
In many cases, spammers are able to “spoof” a familiar phone number with a local area code to make the call look more legitimate.
If you receive a suspicious call, please keep the following in mind:
· At this time, REC has suspended disconnections for non-payment.
· The Cooperative is not calling to demand payment on accounts that have fallen behind.
· REC does not use collection agencies to contact members by phone.
· If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be an REC employee demanding immediate payment, report the suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
“If you have any doubt at all, the best way to protect yourself is to hang up and call REC directly,” said John Crawford, REC’s manager of safety, risk and operational support services. “That puts you in control of the situation and ensures you are talking safely with an REC employee.”
Other steps you can take to protect yourself and your personal information:
· Never give personal account or payment information to someone you do not know.
· Do not answer calls from unknown phone numbers.
· Don’t follow instructions on a pre-recorded message, such as “Press 1 to speak to a live operator.” This is likely an attempt to lure you into providing personal information.
· Do not share personal or financial information, including your Social Security number or bank account information, with a caller you do not know. The caller might say they have the information and “just need to confirm it with you.” That is a trap.
· Do not make payments by gift cards, prepaid debit cards or wire transfers. Fraudsters favor those methods because they are difficult to trace.
