CHESTERFIELD NEWS & INFORMATION 
07.21.09 - inVision Chesterfield
TOPIC: The Economic Impact of Film on the Richmond Region
SPEAKER: Rita McClenny, Virginia Film Office
online or call (804) 783-9330 to register by phone
Federal Lobbyist :: The Chesterfield Business Council of the Greater Richmond Chamber encourages the county to consider the benefits of utilizing a federal lobbyist. As Virginia is facing budget shortfalls, it is apparent that the counties and cities in Virginia will not get the financial support they need from the Commonwealth. Our Council believes that Chesterfield County would benefit from having a federal lobbyist, familiar and experienced with the decision makers in Washington DC, working on our community’s behalf to advocate for our citizens and work with our federal delegation to ensure that Chesterfield County is considered and receives any federal monies for which it is eligible > read full letter
Resolution Honoring Rebecca T. Dickson :: The Chesterfield Business Council presented a commending resolution to Deputy County Administrator Rebecca Dickson at expressing deepest gratitude for her services and best wishes as Goochland County Administrator. > read more
2009 Bernard L. Savage Award Breakfast :: view photos
Zip Code Changes :: The Chesterfield Business Council of the Greater Richmond Chamber supports Chesterfield County’s efforts to re-align zip codes in order to maximize sales tax revenue for the county. Allowing businesses & residents the flexibility to maintain the Richmond name, should they choose to do so, will be an important option. Many of our members conduct business in other states and countries and the Richmond regional identity is very important to their success.
Continued Support for the Comprehensive Plan Update :: The Chesterfield Business Council of the Greater Richmond Chamber reiterates our previous support for the proposed Comprehensive Plan Revision. We request that the Board of Supervisors endorse the submitted proposal for the Comprehensive Plan revision at the upcoming meeting scheduled for April 15, 2009. This process for the Comprehensive Plan is eagerly awaited for by the business community and citizens alike, and we strongly encourage the board to engage an active steering committee comprised of business and residential representatives to work with the selected company on the Comprehensive Plan revision. The CBC believes that this position supports our mission to provide local leadership in promoting the objectives of the Chamber and fostering a favorable business environment and an enhanced quality of life in Chesterfield County.
Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference | September 24 – 26 :: The Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference (VSNC) will celebrate its 10th anniversary in Chesterfield County September 24–26, 2009 at the Holiday Inn Select Koger South Conference Center. This conference will provide an excellent opportunity for communities from across the Commonwealth of Virginia to come together and share their knowledge, experience and vision on how to make Virginia’s neighborhoods the neighborhoods of choice. While each neighborhood is unique, all neighborhoods statewide face very similar issues and challenges ranging from the basics of organizing to addressing the complicated issues of public safety. Each year the conference is attended by a diverse group of grass roots neighborhood leaders and youth, non-profit and government staff, and others working in the field of neighborhood development.
Understanding the School Budget :: The Greater Richmond Chamber's Chesterfield Business Council has an education committee that has been working diligently to find ways for all concerned parties to better understand the school budget process. To further that understanding, we have sent the attached letter to Chesterfield County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Marcus Newsome with some suggestions which we feel will bring more transparency to the current budget process. Read the letter here.
Chesterfield County Economic Development Opens Call for Nominations for 2009 First Choice Business Awards :: Each year, Chesterfield County honors local companies that contribute to the county’s economy and its residents through the First Choice Award. Nominations may be submitted online here . The winners will be recognized at Chesterfield County’s Celebrate Chesterfield Business! event. The Board of Supervisors also will also recognize this year’s First Choice Business Awards winners at their May meeting. Celebrate Chesterfield Business! is the county’s annual business appreciation event held each May during the commonwealth of Virginia’s Annual Business Appreciation Week, 05.10.09 - 05.16.09.
Protect public education funding :: The Chesterfield Business Council understands the direness of the state budget and that all services and programs must accept their share of budget reductions and urges the General Assembly to make short term cuts and strongly opposes any permanent cuts to overall funding levels for public education. > read more
Budgeting for education: The Chesterfield Business Council of the Greater Richmond Chamber sent a letter the Board of Supervisors, the School Board, and the County Administrator requesting continued support of k-12 education programs and encouraging cooperation as they consider the allocations for this biennium budget. Read the letter here.
Principal for a Day participation results in gift for Chesterfield School :: Carol Thornton, Director of Organizational Development for CJW Medical Center, participated in the Principal for a Day event on October 8th and was so impressed with the students and staff at Grange Hall Elementary School that she initiated a gift from CJW Medical Center to support the school’s Literary Library. Ms. Thornton was one of 36 business and community leaders that participated in Principal for a Day, an initiative of the Chesterfield Business Council of the Greater Richmond Chamber and Chesterfield County Public Schools. Participants in this program shadowed an elementary, middle or high school principal for a morning to gain insights into what a principal experiences during a typical day by observing and participating in activities such as patrolling the building and grounds, classroom walk-throughs, responding to crises, team or faculty meetings, and lunch duty and assemblies. After time at the schools, participants met to share their experience with school administrators, school board members and county leaders during a debriefing luncheon hosted by Village Bank at its new Watkins Centre headquarters. “The intent of this initiative was to bring business leaders into the classroom to foster long-term relationships with the public school system,” said Gary Armstrong, Senior Vice President of First Market Bank and Chair of the Chesterfield Business Council. “It was my hope that all attendees would have a renewed commitment to Chesterfield County Public Schools and identify how we can professionally and personally work to increase student success, and we are thrilled that Carol Thornton contacted her principal and contributed to the valuable resource center at Grange Hall.”
Resource Bank connects classrooms with community: A new initiative is in place to connect Chesterfield students with local experts. The Business and Community Resource Bank will pair teachers looking for speakers, student mentors or classroom volunteers with community members willing to share their knowledge and experience. Whether a teacher would like to bring in an expert on banking or bugs or biking or any other topic, the resource bank will help locate someone prepared to speak about that topic. Whether a community member would like to volunteer at a career day or mentor a student or open his business for field trips or find a summer intern, the resource bank will make the connection with schools.
The Greater Richmond Chamber is proud to partner with Chesterfield County Public Schools to encourage member businesses to participate in this initiative. Submitting a survey online is the first step for community members willing to volunteer their time and talents. Available now at www.chesterfield.k12.va.us, the survey takes about 10 minutes.
“Community investment is one of the top goals of Chesterfield County Public Schools, and I invite our community to participate in the resource bank,” said Superintendent Marcus Newsome. “Community support enriches our classrooms and makes a difference in the lives of our students.”
For more information, contact the school system’s Business and Government Relations Office at 768-9303 or e-mail ccpsinfo@ccpsnet.net.
Chesterfield County School Superintendent Dr. Marcus Newsome gave an overview of the Chesterfield County Public School’s six year strategic plan at the October 21 inVision Chesterfield breakfast. To view his presentation, click here.
Central Virginia Transportation Authority :: The Chesterfield Business Council for the Greater Richmond Chamber strongly supports the formation of a Central Virginia Transportation Authority. The business community recognizes the value in having a regional body with the ability to fund the transportation projects that are a priority for our region independent of the Commonwealth’s budget, where local government can identify and prioritize projects. Given the state budget shortfall and expected downward revenue projections at all government levels, it is highly unlikely that the Commonwealth will devote new transportation dollars to projects in Central Virginia in the near future or that the county alone can supply the funding need to match projected transportation needs. We encourage Chesterfield County leadership to consider the proactive benefit of establishing this authority associated with a protected revenue stream dedicated to transportation priorities in Central Virginia in an unstable economy. Providing for the long-term viability of our transportation infrastructure is one of the keys to maintaining Chesterfield County’s favorable business environment and enhanced quality of life.
Chesterfield County is a “First Choice” community :: in part because of the many citizens who volunteer their time and talents to the county. The county receives valuable guidance from citizens who serve on a number of boards and commissions. Anyone interested in serving the county must complete the boards and commission application form. For a full listing of boards and commissions, current vacancies and terms that will be expiring soon, please visit the Chesterfield County website.
The Chesterfield Business Council applauds the county and its leadership for bringing engagement opportunities, like board and commission appointments, to county residents and we encourage the business community to apply for service with the County where your participation can make a difference.
Regional Sports Complex :: The Chesterfield Business Council is excited about the economic impact of a regional sports complex at the intersection of Chippenham Parkway and Route 10 in Chesterfield County. National swim meets, aquatic events and soccer tournaments are expected to have a positive economic impact on the region in excess of $2 million a year. For more information about the KickStart campaign, please see the fact sheet here.
CHESTERFIELD BUSINESS COUNCIL LEADERSHIP
Gary Armstrong, CHAIR
First Market Bank
John Easter, CHAIR ELECT
Williams Mullen
Tracy Kemp Stallings, IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
CJW Medical Center
Amy Chapman, PROGRAM MANAGER
Greater Richmond Chamber
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CABINET MEMBERS:
Matthew Alexander
Matt Alexander & Associates
Cliff Bickford, AVP
BB&T Alternative Mortgage Lending
Greg Creswell
Grubb & Ellis│Harrison & Bates
Bill Girvin
BizWorks Enterprise Center
Debi Girvin
Lochlyn Company
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Pam H. Hathaway
Prudential Slater James River
Quenton Lee
Midlothian Electric Company
Fred Norman
Commonwealth of Virginia Consulting
Mark Pike
Proactive Information Management
David Reel
Home Building Association of Richmond
Tom Winfree
Village Bank
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MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Chesterfield Business Council is to provide local leadership in promoting the objectives of the Chamber and fostering a favorable business environment and an enhanced quality of life in Chesterfield County.
ISSUES (2007 - 2008)
Quenton Lee of Midlothian Electric Company named 2008 Savage Award winner: The Chesterfield Business Council of the Greater Richmond Chamber has proudly been honoring community leaders with the Savage Award since 1996. The award, launched in honor of the long time community leadership of the late Bernard L. Savage, recognizes an individual who selflessly gives time, talent, and other resources to help one or more individuals or organizations in Chesterfield County. Past recipients include Alice Clark (2007), Patricia Clark (2006), Jay Lafler (2005), The Honorable John Watkins (2004), John Cogbill, III (2003), Gary Fenchuck (2002), Dick Strauss (2001), Fred Carreras (2000), Kevin Healy (1999), Joan Girone (1998) and Bernard Savage (1997). Nominees for this award must be employed by a for-profit business and the business must be located in Chesterfield County. A committee then reviews nominations to identify community leaders that make a significant impact to the community of Chesterfield County.
To watch a video presentation produced by VAVS Video Production about Quenton and his contributions to Chesterfield County, click here
Affordable Workforce Housing: The Chesterfield Business Council supports the efforts to evolve and advance a comprehensive plan to address workforce housing issues.
view presentations
Business Development: The Chesterfield Business Council is actively involved in supporting the Chesterfield County Department of Economic Development through the Business First Chesterfield initiative. This visitation program is dedicated to supporting the success and growth of businesses in the county. For more information, click here or here.
Education: The Chesterfield Business Council recognizes the important link between quality childhood development and economic vitality. To learn more about how your business can differentiate itself and become involved in student success, click here. View Chesterfield County schools.
The Chesterfield Business Council's education committee met with Chesterfield County School Superintendent Dr. Marcus Newsome and Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Kathy Kitchen to discuss how decisions are made regarding construction planning at the design and subsequent construction phases. To view the presentation, click here.
Early Childhood Education Funding: The Chesterfield Business Council of the Greater Richmond Chamber requests the continued support of early childhood education programs as the General Assembly considers the allocations for this biennium budget. View letter here.
Key Initiatives:
HOW YOU CAN HELP...
Events & Programs: Submit feedback about the inVision Chesterfield networking breakfasts or suggest speakers and topics.
Government Affairs: The Chesterfield Business Council is tasked to identify and address issues of interest to the business community of Chesterfield County. As such, council members monitor local issues and their ramifications, advocate on behalf of the business community, maintain ongoing relationships with elected and appointed officials, and publicly recognize individuals or entities that have had a favorable impact on local issues.
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Recent Positions
- Swift Creek Reservoir/Phosphorus Limitations: The Chesterfield Business Council of the Greater Richmond Chamber is concerned about the proposed ordinance to lower the total phosphorus runoff limits from properties within the Upper Swift Creek Watershed to 0.16 pounds of phosphorus per acre per year.
read more
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Roseland Support: The Chesterfield Business Council of the Greater Richmond Chamber is excited about the possibility of rezoning approximately 1400 acres in Chesterfield County, known as Roseland, to permit the development of a mixed-use community incorporating the concepts of new urbanism. We encourage Chesterfield County leaders to consider the benefits of new urbanism and to make an expeditious review of the rezoning proposal.
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Long Term Planning: The Chesterfield Business Council of the Greater Richmond Chamber supports the County’s resolution approving a regional water supply plan.
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BPOL/Meadowville Funding: The Chesterfield Business Council of the Greater Richmond Chamber (CBC) supports using the County’s Business, Professional and Occupational Licensing tax (BPOL) revenue above the amount of the current cap to fund the debt service on the bonds or other debt required to build the Meadowville interchange. Once a revenue stream sufficient to service the debt for the interchange has been established, additional revenue above the BPOL cap should be used to reduce BPOL taxes. The CBC believes that this BPOL initiative should be only one, small part of a broad-based effort by state and local government to address the transportation needs of Chesterfield County. The CBC supports and encourages the County’s active participation in the development of a comprehensive regional solution for transportation issues in the Capital region.
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Comprehensive Plan: The Chesterfield Business Council of the Greater Richmond Chamber strongly supports Chesterfield County's proposal to award and outside consulting contract to develop a true county-wide comprehensive/master plan based on a strategic vision for the County's overall future. The CBC believes that this position supports our mission to provide local leadership in promoting the objectives of the Chamber and fostering a favorable business environment and an enhanced quality of life in Chesterfield County.
Transportation: The Chesterfield Business Council continues to monitor the status and funding of transportation within the county.
GRTC Recognition :: The Chesterfield Business Council of the Greater Richmond Chamber congratulates GRTC Transit System for being recognized by the American Public Transportation Association as the best of its size (4 million to 30 million rides annually) in the country. The business community recognizes the great service that GRTC provides to our community, and encourages Chesterfield County leadership to be supportive of initiatives that will enhance public transit and expand our system to be progressive and efficient, especially into underserved areas of our county. We applaud John Lewis and the GRTC team for this achievement, and thank GRTC for the tremendous service they provide our businesses by allowing employees to get to and from work efficiently. The Chesterfield Business Council will continue to work to increase corporate and community support for regional mass transit.
Statewide Transportation Funding :: Chesterfield Business Council urges elected officials to address transportation issues June 23 > Read the letter here.
Crime & Public Safety: The Chesterfield Business Council supports the county’s Police Department in their efforts to provide a safe business environment and an enhanced quality of life for all Chesterfield residents.
Learn about the programs and services offered to businesses by the Chesterfield Police department. >> BusinessWatch
The Crime and Public Safety Committee if the Chesterfield Business Council worked with Officer Mike Catron to create a resource manual for county businesses.
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