South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce Blog

Get Your Home Ready for Warmer Weather

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 21:57:04 GMT

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

As temperatures begin to rise in Fairfax County, spring is the ideal time to prepare your home for the demands of summer. Dave Kyle of Trademasters Home Services, says, "A proactive maintenance routine not only protects your investment but can also help prevent costly repairs during peak heat."

From HVAC tune-ups to outdoor prep, here’s a practical checklist to keep your home running efficiently.

Start with Your HVAC System

Your heating and cooling system is about to enter its busiest season. Scheduling a professional HVAC tune-up ensures your system is operating at peak efficiency, helps extend its lifespan, and can identify small issues before they become expensive problems. Homeowners should also replace air filters regularly—typically every 1–3 months—to maintain airflow and indoor air quality.

Vents and Dampers

Spring is a good time for homeowners to check vents and dampers as part of seasonal home maintenance. These components regulate airflow, moisture, and energy efficiency throughout the home. When neglected, they can reduce HVAC efficiency, increase utility costs, and contribute to moisture or air-quality issues.

Clean and Inspect Gutters

Winter debris can clog gutters and downspouts, leading to water damage, roof issues, and foundation concerns. Clear out leaves, sticks, and buildup, and ensure water is flowing freely away from your home. While cleaning, check for loose or damaged sections that may need repair.

Check Your Roof and Exterior

Take a visual inspection of your roof for missing shingles, signs of wear, or storm damage. Walk around your home to check siding, trim, and paint for cracks or deterioration. Addressing minor exterior issues early can prevent larger structural problems down the line.

Prepare Outdoor Spaces

Spring is the time to get your outdoor areas ready for use. Power wash patios, decks, and driveways to remove dirt and mildew. Inspect decks for loose boards or railings and reseal wood surfaces if needed. Clean and service outdoor furniture, grills, and lighting so they’re ready for entertaining.

Test Irrigation and Drainage

If you have a sprinkler system, test it for leaks, broken heads, or inefficient coverage. Proper irrigation ensures a healthy lawn without wasting water. Also, check that your yard drains properly to avoid pooling water near your home’s foundation.

Safety Checks Matter

Finally, take a few minutes to test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, and replace batteries if needed. Spring is also a good time to review fire extinguishers and emergency preparedness items.

“Many of the emergency calls we receive in the summer at Trademasters could have been prevented with basic spring maintenance," says Kyle. "Taking care of your HVAC, gutters, and exterior now saves time, money, and stress later.”

For more information go to www.Trademasters.com or give them at 703-644-6400. Taking the time to complete a spring home maintenance checklist helps ensure your home is safe, efficient, and ready for the warmer months ahead.

When to Visit Urgent Care for Allergies, Illness, Injuries, and Physicals

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 22:51:18 GMT

Spring Health Needs in South Fairfax

Spring in South Fairfax is a busy time for families. Sports schedules pick up, school activities stay full, outdoor time increases, and many households begin dealing with seasonal health issues that come with the change in weather. From allergy flare-ups to minor injuries and physicals, spring often creates a need for fast and convenient care.

At AFC Urgent Care Burke, spring commonly brings patients in for allergy symptoms, sore throats, sinus pressure, pink eye, sports and school physicals, and minor injuries. For busy families, knowing when urgent care makes sense can help keep the season running smoothly.

Seasonal allergies are one of the biggest spring complaints

For many people in Burke, spring means itchy eyes, sneezing, congestion, and sinus pressure. Seasonal allergies can make it hard to focus at work, get through the school day, sleep well, or enjoy time outside.

Common spring allergy symptoms include:

• sneezing

• itchy or watery eyes

• runny nose or congestion

• sinus pressure

• headaches

Sometimes symptoms seem like simple allergies at first, but they can feel worse than expected or last longer than they should. In some cases, what seems like allergies may overlap with sinus irritation or another illness.

Spring illnesses are still common

Even though winter is over, common illnesses do not disappear in spring. This season still brings sore throats, coughs, congestion, pink eye, ear pain, and sinus pressure. Urgent care may be a practical option when you or your child are dealing with:

• sore throat

• sinus pressure

• cold symptoms

• cough

• pink eye

• ear pain

• other common non-emergency illnesses

Sports and school physical season arrives quickly

Spring is also one of the busiest times for sports, school, and camp physicals. Many parents suddenly find themselves needing paperwork completed for tryouts, sports participation, camp enrollment, or school requirements.

This season is easier to manage when families have access to:

• fast visits

• convenient walk-in care

• family-friendly service

• a simple option for required forms

Warmer weather often means more minor injuries

As the weather improves in Burke, people spend more time outside, on the field, exercising, and handling outdoor projects. That often leads to more sprains, strains, falls, cuts, and other minor injuries.

Common spring injury concerns include:

• ankle sprains

• strains

• minor falls

• cuts and scrapes

• minor burns

• sports-related injuries

Why urgent care is especially useful in the spring

Spring tends to be packed with family responsibilities, work obligations, school events, and activities. That makes convenience especially important. Patients often choose urgent care because it provides a simpler way to handle everyday health concerns without waiting days for an appointment.

In the spring, urgent care is especially helpful because it offers:

• same-day care

• walk-in convenience

• care for children and adults

• support for both illness and injury

• sports, camp, and school physicals

A practical option for spring healthcare in Burke

Spring brings a mix of health needs, from allergy symptoms and common illness to physicals and minor injuries. Having a convenient place to go for care helps make the season easier to manage. At AFC Urgent Care Burke, patients can get care for many common spring health concerns in one convenient location.

Need care this spring?

Visit AFC Urgent Care Burke for walk-in care for allergies, illnesses, injuries, and physicals.

How the South Fairfax Chamber Helps Small Businesses Grow Through Marketing, Visibility, and Connections

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:00:19 GMT

How the South Fairfax Chamber Helps Small Businesses Grow Through Marketing, Visibility, and Connections

For small businesses, time and resources are often limited, yet the need to stand out, stay visible, and build meaningful relationships has never been greater. The South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce (SFCC) plays a critical role in helping small businesses address these challenges—particularly through social media promotion, brand awareness, and direct connections with other business owners.

Social Media Promotion That Extends Reach

Many small businesses struggle to maintain consistent and effective social media marketing. The SFCC helps bridge that gap by serving as a centralized promotional platform with an established audience. Through Chamber-managed social media channels, businesses gain exposure to a broader and more engaged local following than they could typically reach on their own.

We regularly spotlight sustaining member businesses through features such as new member welcomes, business highlights, event promotions, ribbon cuttings, and milestone announcements. When we share a member’s content, it provides third-party credibility and amplifies reach through shares, tags, and cross-promotion—often introducing the business to customers and partners they would not otherwise reach.

In addition, the Chamber frequently offer opportunities for members to submit content, promotions, or announcements for scheduled social posts, allowing small businesses to stay visible without the burden of creating daily content themselves.

Building Brand Awareness Through Credibility and Consistency

Brand awareness is not just about visibility—it is about trust. Chamber membership signals legitimacy and commitment to the local South Fairfax business community. When a business is consistently featured in Chamber communications such as newsletters, social media posts, event promotions, and directories, it reinforces brand recognition and positions the business as a trusted local resource.

We also provide branding opportunities through sponsorships, advertising placements, event participation, and community initiatives. These touchpoints allow small businesses to align their brand with respected community programming and initiatives, increasing recognition while reinforcing positive brand associations.

For many small businesses, the Chamber becomes an extension of their marketing team—helping maintain consistent visibility across multiple channels throughout the year.

Connecting Business Owners Through Meaningful Relationships

Perhaps one of the most valuable benefits of Chamber membership is access to a built-in network of business owners, decision-makers, and community leaders. We intentionally create opportunities for connection through networking STIRs, committee involvement, educational programs, and signature events such as our Salute to Service and Achievement Honors Gala.

These interactions often lead to referrals, partnerships, mentorships, and collaborative marketing efforts. Small business owners are able to learn from peers, share best practices, and form relationships that can directly impact growth and sustainability.

Unlike informal networking, Chamber connections are relationship-driven and purpose-built, bringing together individuals who share a commitment to supporting the local economy and one another.

A Strategic Partner for Small Business Growth

For small businesses, joining the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce is more than a membership—it is a strategic investment in visibility, credibility, and relationships. Through social media promotion, brand-building opportunities, and intentional connections with other business owners, the SFCC helps level the playing field and give small businesses the support they need to grow and thrive.

In a competitive marketplace, the South Fairfax Chamber provides what many small businesses cannot easily achieve alone: consistent promotion, trusted exposure, and access to a strong, supportive business community.

Why Reliable, Coordinated Home Services Matter to Today’s Homeowners

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 22:29:58 GMT

Why Reliable, Coordinated Home Services Matter to Today’s Homeowners

Owning a home is one of life’s most significant investments—but managing it can often feel overwhelming. Between routine maintenance, unexpected repairs, and long-term upgrades, homeowners are frequently left juggling multiple contractors, unclear pricing, and inconsistent service quality. Reliable, coordinated home services are no longer a luxury; they are essential to protecting a home’s value and a homeowner’s peace of mind.

This is where the Trademasters comprehensive home services membership changes the experience entirely.

What is a Home Services Membership?

A home services membership provides homeowners with a single, trusted point of access for essential home maintenance, repairs, and improvements. Rather than searching for providers each time an issue arises, members have ongoing access to qualified professionals across multiple trades—HVAC, plumbing, electrical, handyman services, and more—under one coordinated system.

With Trademasters, the membership model is designed to simplify homeownership by offering proactive service, clear expectations, and dependable support throughout the year.

How Membership Reduces Stress and Uncertainty

One of the most common frustrations homeowners face is uncertainty:
Who should I call? Can I trust them? What will it cost? How long will it take?

A Trademasters membership removes these unknowns. Members benefit from:

Streamlined scheduling through one trusted provider
Consistent service standards across all trades
Transparent pricing and clear communication
Faster response times , especially when issues are urgent

By coordinating services under one umbrella, Trademasters simplifies everything from routine maintenance to major repairs and planned upgrades—reducing stress while helping homeowners stay ahead of problems before they escalate.

Who the Membership Is Designed For?

The Trademasters membership is ideal for:

Homeowners who want to protect their investment and avoid last-minute emergencies
Busy families who value convenience and reliable scheduling
Property managers and landlords who need consistent, documented service across properties
Aging homeowners seeking dependable support and fewer service calls
Anyone planning renovations or long-term upgrades

Whether managing one home or several, members gain confidence knowing expert help is always accessible.

Why Trademasters Is a Trusted Local Partner

Trademasters is more than a service provider—with more than 35 years serving northern Virginia and the DMV, we are a long-standing local partner committed to quality workmanship, accountability, and community trust. With experienced, licensed professionals and a coordinated service approach, Trademasters eliminates the fragmentation that often leads to delays, miscommunication, and unexpected costs.

Local knowledge, responsive service, and a reputation built on reliability make Trademasters a partner homeowners can depend on year after year.

Key Benefits That Deliver Real Value

A Trademasters membership is built around benefits that matter most to homeowners:

Convenience - One call, one relationship, and one system to manage nearly every aspect of home care.
Trusted Professionals - Vetted, experienced tradespeople who understand the home as a whole—not just one isolated issue.
Transparency - Clear documentation, upfront communication, and no guesswork about service history or system condition.
Value - Members gain access to ongoing maintenance support and preferred access to services without repeatedly starting from scratch.

TM ProView & Home Wellness Review

Each Trademasters membership comes with an exclusive TM ProView , a 3D diagnostic and full documentation of your home's major systems and appliances. The TM ProView provides you with an updated view of the condition and functionality of your home and surrounding property. The ProView provides:

Documentation of major home systems
3D digital diagnostic for your roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, outdoor fixtures and more

A Digital Member Portfolio That Works for Your Home

One of the most valuable member benefits is Trademasters’ digital Member Portfolio . This secure, centralized record keeps track of:

Repairs and maintenance history
Upgrades and improvements
Project proposals/estimates
Multiple properties

The Member Portfolio not only simplifies ongoing maintenance but also adds value when planning future projects or preparing to sell the home.

Access to Home Services

Beyond core services of HVAC, electric and plumbing, members can also access a wide range of additional home improvement solutions, including:

Roofing
Windows and Doors
Painting
Gutters and Siding
Flooring
Drywall Repair & Replacement
Handyman Services
Other specialized upgrade services

This flexibility allows homeowners to plan improvements with confidence, using trusted professionals already familiar with the home.

A Smarter Way to Care for Your Home

Reliable, coordinated home services provide more than convenience—they offer confidence, clarity, and long-term protection for one of life’s biggest investments. A Trademasters membership transforms homeownership from reactive and stressful to proactive and well-managed.

For homeowners who value their time, their property, and their peace of mind, coordinated home services simply make sense.

Can I Afford a Home Services Membership?

A Trademasters home services membership provides dependable access to high-quality maintenance, repairs, and home upgrades—without the stress and uncertainty of managing multiple contractors.

An annual membership for a single-family home is just $249 and includes your own personal digital Member Portfolio , a ProView and Home Wellness Review , in-app scheduling and maintenance reminders , access to a range of home services , exclusive member pricing , and the convenience of a single, trusted point of contact for your home’s needs.

It is a practical, cost-effective way to protect your investment, simplify home care, and plan confidently for the future.

The next time you need your gutters cleaned, your roof checked, or a new ceiling fan installed, don’t spend your valuable time calling around for estimates. With just one call, you gain direct access to trusted Trademasters professionals for both routine services and unexpected emergencies—removing the guesswork and ending last-minute scrambling.

Go to www.trademasters.com or call 703-644-6400 from more information.

One Membership. Total Home Confidence. Endless Peace of Mind.

Dave Kyle is the CEO and Founder of Trademasters.

Start 2026 Off Right!

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 14:06:21 GMT

Why NoVa Business Owners Should Consider Joining the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce in 2026

As we work to get 2026 off to a great start, local business owners in South Fairfax face both opportunity and complexity. Economic shifts, evolving customer expectations, and increased competition make it more important than ever to stay connected, visible, and informed. One of the most effective ways to do that is by becoming a member of the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce.

Strengthen Your Brand Visibility and Local Presence

Chamber membership elevates your business profile within the South Fairfax community. Through directory listings, newsletters, social media promotion, and event exposure, members gain consistent visibility among residents, fellow business owners, and community leaders. In a marketplace where trust and familiarity matter, being part of a recognized local organization makes a meaningful difference.

Build Meaningful Business Connections

The Chamber brings together business owners, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and local officials who share a common goal: strengthening South Fairfax. Networking events, committee participation, and collaborative initiatives create natural opportunities to build relationships that lead to referrals, partnerships, and long-term growth.

Have a Stronger Voice in the NoVa Community

SFCC Membership provides a seat at the table when local business interests are discussed. The South Fairfax Chamber advocates on behalf of its members, working with local government and regional partners to support policies that encourage economic development and a healthy business climate. In a changing regulatory and economic landscape, collective advocacy matters.

Access Cost-Effective Marketing and Professional Resources

From promotional opportunities and sponsorships to educational programs and business tools, the Chamber offers practical resources designed to help businesses grow without stretching their budgets. Members gain access to insights, expertise, and exposure that would be costly to secure independently.

Demonstrate Community Commitment

Today’s consumers value businesses that invest locally and contribute to the well-being of their community. An SFCC membership signals that your business is engaged, credible, and committed to the success of South Fairfax. It builds trust and reinforces your role as a community partner.

Join Us in 2026

The South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce is more than a membership organization — it is a network of professionals working together to strengthen our local economy and support one another’s success.

Now is the time to invest in your business and your community. Join the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce in 2026 and take an active role in shaping the future of South Fairfax.

For membership information or to get involved, visit the Chamber’s website today.

Why A South Fairfax Chamber Membership is Worth the Investment

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:18:57 GMT

The Benefits of South Fairfax Chamber Membership: Why It’s Worth the Investment

Joining the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce is more than just putting your business name on a list—it’s an investment in your growth, your visibility, and the local South Fairfax community. Whether you’re a start-up entrepreneur or a long-standing business, chamber membership comes with a variety of benefits that help you thrive.

Networking That Works

The chamber brings together business owners, professionals, and community leaders in one place. From networking STIRs to workshops and ribbon cuttings, you’ll find countless opportunities to build relationships that lead to referrals, partnerships, and new customers.

Visibility & Credibility

When you join the chamber, your business earns instant credibility. Studies show that consumers are more likely to trust and do business with companies that are chamber members. Plus, with directory listings, website exposure, and social media spotlights, your name gets in front of more potential customers.

Advocacy on Your Behalf

A chamber doesn’t just serve its members—it represents them. Your chamber advocates for pro-business policies at the local, state, and national levels. That means your voice is amplified on important issues like taxes, regulations, and community development.

Community Involvement

Being part of the chamber connects you directly with the South Fairfax community. From sponsorship opportunities to volunteering at local events, your business gains visibility while also making a positive impact. Customers notice when businesses give back.

A Stronger Local Economy

When you join the SFCC, you’re not just helping your business—you’re strengthening the entire business community. A strong chamber attracts investment, fosters entrepreneurship, and creates a thriving local economy that benefits everyone.

Final Thoughts

A South Fairfax Chamber membership is more than a line item on your budget—it’s a connection to people, opportunities, and resources that can help your business grow. Whether you’re looking for new customers, more visibility, or a stronger voice in the community, your South Fairfax Chamber membership is a powerful tool.

Ready to take advantage of all these benefits? Contact the SFCC today and discover how membership can move your business forward. More information here .

Occupational Health and Worker’s Comp: Two important subjects businesses owners must care about

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 00:38:37 GMT

Creating a Safer, More Cost-Effective Workplace with Occupational Medicine

Investing in an occupational medicine program is a proactive way to ensure a healthier, safer, and more productive workplace. It also helps employers manage workers’ compensation cases more effectively. Partnering with a healthcare provider who understands occupational medicine and workers’ compensation can help injured employees recover faster, return to work sooner, and reduce the financial burden on employers.

At AFC, we collaborate with our providers and employer partners to find solutions that benefit both the worker and the business. One key factor that influences workers’ compensation insurance rates is the employer’s Experience Modification Rate (EMR)—also known as the Mod Factor. This rate is determined by several factors, including past claims and OSHA recordable events—such as prescription medication use, referrals to physical therapy, or the use of a rigid brace.

Unfortunately, many medical providers are unaware of how their treatment decisions impact an employer’s insurance premiums. Likewise, many employers don’t realize the financial impact of workers’ compensation premiums until costs have significantly increased. While insurance costs vary, it’s not uncommon for mid-sized businesses to pay $50,000 to $100,000 or more annually in workers’ compensation premiums.

While some OSHA recordable events are unavoidable, our approach at AFC focuses on minimizing unnecessary costs while still prioritizing quality care. We work to reduce excessive referrals, explore alternatives to prescription medications, avoid overly restrictive work limitations, and maintain open communication with employers. By taking a strategic, informed approach, we help businesses create a safer work environment while keeping costs under control.

In addition to our Workers Comp solutions, we also provide other medical services including DOT physicals, drug screening, pre-employment physicals and acute injury care and we can accommodate on-sites Drug Screens and DOT to companies who have a relatively large number of employees.

John T. Carmack, MD, MPH

About AFC: American Family Care (www.afcurgentcare.com) is a SFCC member and healthcare provider specializing in urgent care, primary care, and occupational medicine. Founded in 1982, AFC has expanded to over 350 clinics across 29 states, serving nearly 3 million patients annually. In Fairfax County we are located in Burke at the address 9276 Old Keene Mill Road, Burke Virginia (www.afcurgentcare.com/burke).

AFC emphasizes patient convenience by offering walk-in services without the need for appointments, extended hours, and locations designed to reduce wait times. The clinics are equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and staffed by trained medical professionals to ensure quality care.

With this approach, we can provide evidence-based injury care for the injured employee while addressing the needs of the company. Our goal is to work collaboratively with employers and at the same time helping the injured worker “feel better faster” and allowing them to stay in the workplace.

It is simple to start a partnership with us.

Just click here to fill out the employer protocol and fax it to 571 516 3070 or email it to burketeam@afcurgentcare.com. We will open your employer account and start providing you with the best you deserve.

9276 Old Keene Mill Road Burke VA 22015 Tel: 571 516 3116; Fax 571 516 3070; www.afcurgentcare.com/burke

14087 Richmond Highway Woodbridge VA 22191 Tel 571 300 8000; Fax 571 300 8000 www.afcurgentcare.com/woodbridge

Fairfax County Meals and Food Tax Update

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 04:11:02 GMT

Advocacy Update

Earlier this fall, the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce Board voted to oppose a tax on meals and prepared foods being considered by the County Board of Supervisors. Prior to reaching this decision, the Board surveyed the Chamber's membership; among those who responded to the survey, members overwhelmingly opposed any new tax on prepared foods. Last May, the County's Board of Supervisors voted 9-1 to study implementing a new 6 percent tax on prepared food and beverages at restaurants and convenience stores throughout the County. This tax would add to the existing 5-7 percent tax already imposed statewide.

The South Fairfax Chamber sent a letter to the County Board opposing the tax, the letter can be found here. Additionally, we’ve been canvasing local South Fairfax businesses to make them aware of the proposed tax and to garner additional opposition to the proposal. Our recent efforts made it clear that many businesses are not aware of this tax proposal. Our sources tell us that the Fairfax Board of Supervisors is likely to roll in a tax proposal into the 2025 Fairfax County budget without a ballot vote for the people of Fairfax. The Washington Post reported that “voter referendums on meals tax proposals in 1992 and 2016 were defeated by large margins.” In 2019 the Virginia General Assembly passed a law enabling counties to enact meals taxes like this one without a ballot vote of the people.

The Chamber believes that this tax will only serve to further harm restaurants and convenience stores who are struggling with inflation, and staffing issues. This tax will provide a disincentive for residents to go out to eat in the County. If a tax is needed, we believe it should be put on the ballot for voters to decide and not rolled into a budget proposal without voter input.

For more information, please visit our website at: www.southfairfaxchamber.org/advocacy . To sign the petition opposing the tax visit www.StopTheFoodTax.com and click on ‘Take Action’. You can find the contact information for the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors here: https://www.stopthefoodtax.com/contact/

2024 South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce Achievement Honors

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 17:02:18 GMT

Our 2024 Award Winners!

The South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Brian Gottlieb as the Chamber’s 2024 Member to Watch ! Brian, an award-winning realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services PenFed Realty, resides in Lorton, and is an active, valuable member of our Chamber.

Real estate runs in Brian’s blood.

His mother was a Realtor® in Massachusetts, sparking his lifelong interest in the field. With over 20 years of experience as a corporate and political consultant, Brian brings expertise in strategy, research, marketing, and communications, skills he now uses to market properties and negotiate top deals for his clients. “Brian is a creative problem solver dedicated to putting his clients first,” says Chamber Chair Casey Whitmarsh. “He is also very active in the Chamber, most recently assisting with community outreach at the Commerce Carnival last spring.”

The Chamber’s Community Impact award honors two exceptional members of the South Fairfax community. Rebecca Geller is an award-winning attorney, philanthropist, trailblazer, and passionate advocate for equality and human rights. She is also a devoted wife, mom to three kids and a dog, a community leader and a valued Chamber member.

In 2011, as a mom of a baby and a toddler, Rebecca saw brilliant women leaving the legal profession due to the difficulty of balancing motherhood and a demanding career. To address this, she founded The Geller Law Group (GLG) at her kitchen table in Fairfax Station. Over the past decade, she has transformed the lives of female attorneys in her firm and created a new business model for other firms to follow. Rebecca is a committed community volunteer, regularly helping at the Lorton Community Action Center, a local food pantry. During the pandemic, she organized a food drive that collected over $100,000 worth of donations, which she sorted so these much-needed items could be delivered. “Rebecca’s impact is felt throughout South Fairfax, both professionally and in our neighborhoods,” says Whitmarsh. “She is truly deserving of the Community Impact award.”

Joining Rebecca is Karen McGuinness , who stepped into the role of the Food For Neighbors Event Coordinator for South County High School last winter. Passionate about her volunteer work, Karen is dedicated to ensuring that no child or teen ever goes hungry. Under her leadership, the high school pantry has grown significantly through local food drives. South County was established as a sorting site in spring 2023. Karen says, “The community's generosity continues to amaze me, and partnering with Food For Neighbors has been essential.”

Karen is now working on filling a pantry at South County Middle School, set to launch this fall. “From our incredible volunteers sorting on red bag days to our drivers picking up donations and the high school AP who initiated this pantry, we are all united in achieving food security for our students,” says Karen. Whitmarsh commends McGuinness for her unwavering devotion. “Karen truly embodies the spirit of the Community Impact award, demonstrating outstanding dedication, commitment, and contributions to the betterment of the South Fairfax community.”

The South Fairfax Chamber is proud to recognize these three individuals who have significantly impacted local business and the community through their selfless acts of service, community development efforts, and a spirit of generosity.

Join us in celebrating them during the Chamber’s Hello Summer Achievement Honors networking event on June 20 at Gunston Hall. Tickets are available for purchase here .

Five Biggest Mistakes of Estate Planning

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 04:57:32 GMT

Five Biggest Mistakes of Estate Planning

#5 – Inequity

The fifth biggest mistake of estate planning is presuming to treat everyone equally, equaled only by the error of presuming to treat your loved ones differently because you don’t think they need anything or, in the other extreme, that they don’t deserve anything. Perhaps you’ve given more to one in life and intend to balance things in death. Unless you intend to include a detailed accounting (and even then?), I urge you to reconsider in this regard.

Similarly, choosing who is to serve in what role (attorney-in-fact under a power of attorney, executor, or trustee, for instance) based on perceived fairness or not wanting to seem inequitable is a mistake. Have a reason, trust your judgment, and choose someone based on your sound judgment (for instance, she’s the oldest; he’s a lawyer; she’s the only one who hasn’t done time… these are all good reasons). Worse, appointing two co-fiduciaries (i.e., co-attorneys-in-fact, co-executors, or co-trustees, might be the biggest mistake of all – especially if you refuse to provide the two co-equals with a means of breaking a deadlock.

If there are two empowered to make decisions and they don’t agree on something, if you’ve not authorized a coin flip or other means to break the tie (rock, paper, scissors, perhaps?!), their only recourse is to the courts. Don’t do it…don’t name two co-equal decision-makers to manage your affairs when you die. If you simply can’t help yourself, at least give them a fighting chance and tell them what to do when they disagree (if considering a coin flip, I suggest making it at least two out of three!).

#4 – Sentimentality

The fourth biggest mistake of estate planning is presuming one or more of your loved ones “wouldn’t want” something of yours, or alternatively, planning based on presumed values ascribed to the “objects of your bounty.” It is difficult to nearly impossible to know accurately what one of your kids might value over another, and you should take no offense by loved ones’ avoiding the subject altogether or making statements to the effect that they don’t want anything of yours. Everyone deals with death and the loss or thoughts of loss of a loved one in one’s own way. That said, it may, of course, be true that they don’t want your stuff; your style and tastes may be embarrassingly outdated.

It may also be true that they don’t need anything, have the space for things they might want, or might not want to be perceived as thoughtless or greedy by asking for something of yours, for instance, before you are even in the ground! Rather than take offense or think, “How dare they!” consider over-sharing and discussing more with them, not less. Force them to face truths none of us generally care to acknowledge — first and foremost of which, you are going to die! Hate to be the one to burst that bubble for you, but it happens to all of us eventually. Too often, I see families left squabbling over misperceived intentions and failing/refusing to face these avoidable issues head-on, which brings us to the third biggest estate planning mistake.

#3 – Communication

The third biggest mistake of estate planning is failing to involve your beneficiaries in the planning. You need not give them a say in your plans necessarily or even seek their input per se, at least not everyone’s!, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t involve them at all, even if only to communicate that you’ve made a plan and where/how it can be found. Those who intend to play a role later should be consulted.

The executor (or “personal representative”), who will oversee the administration of your probate estate; the trustee, who you will count on to manage assets you’ve opted to have held/protected from creditors and managed for the benefit of those you may not completely trust to manage them effectively for themselves (either because of their immaturity, addictions, or other special needs); and especially guardians of any minor children you might leave behind…these should all be consulted and confirmed before being named and saddled with such responsibilities. After all, they may not want or be able to handle the responsibility and/or their own life circumstances may not be fully known to you and may not make them the best choice. To minimize the risk of mistaken choices in this regard, don’t compound the mistake by failing to name a backup and a backup to the backup and also setting forth a means of picking the person you would want to be next in line should all else fail.

#2 – Indecision

The second biggest mistake of estate planning is changing your plans. This one comprises a whole series of mistakes. Changing one’s mind is ok, of course. The timing of a revised estate plan is one of the primary factors when litigation is later considered. Doing so after declining mental health, shortly before or after major life events, just prior to death (on one’s deathbed!), and/or with the involvement or input of less than all of one’s beneficiaries virtually assures legal wrangling after you’re gone, or, at the very least, likely breeds ill will among your loved ones in ways you can’t possibly fully anticipate. Compounding this mistake with less than full and open communication about your planning efforts (refer back to #3!) frequently sparks resentment and even hostility when you yourself have set different and differing expectations among those to whom you intend to benefit.

If you opt to share your planning documents, do so with all of your beneficiaries. If you opt to make a change, be sure to communicate any changes to everyone, preferably with very specifically communicated reasons why. Oftentimes, in addition to breeding resentment for each other, change, especially uncommunicated changes to one’s estate plan, leaves your loved ones resenting you, even when they are the ones benefiting from the change!

#1 – Inertia

The number one biggest mistake of estate planning is not to plan. A favorite lyric from a group I’ve enjoyed since the 80s goes as follows: “If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.” Not planning, i.e., not creating a will or other document directing the disposition of assets upon your death, is the equivalent of deciding you want your loved ones to experience the costly, time-consuming, living hell that can often be the result of doing nothing. Don’t let inertia be your guide. Have a plan… execute the plan. Do it now; tomorrow may never come. Carpe diem!

ABOUT THOMAS REPCZYNSKI

Thomas Repczynski is a Principal, Shareholder and the Chair of the Commercial Litigation (South) Practice Group, focused on developing and expanding the firm’s Estates and Trusts Litigation practice area. Tom’s practice emphasizes inheritance-related matters involving will/trust/insurance beneficiaries, executors, trustees, guardians, and attorneys-in-fact under Powers of Attorney and includes creditors’ rights enforcement, real estate litigation, and general commercial business disputes. Tom routinely pursues, defends, and negotiates the broadest range of fiduciary proceedings pre- and post-judgment actions and workouts, and real-estate related disputes of all types (e.g. commercial leasing, title, inheritance, etc.).

Multigenerational Travel Trends

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 14:59:06 GMT

Multigenerational Travel Trends

In the ever-changing landscape of travel, a trend that's making waves is 'Multigenerational Travel'. Gone are the days of age-defined holidays. Today, it's all about cherishing family bonds amidst thrilling adventures and discerning cultural exchanges. Pack the bags for grandma, grandpa, and the little ones too; make fun and creative memories and an increasing trend is that Grandma and Grandpa may foot the bill.

While there are many types of experiences to enjoy together, it’s always important to keep in mind the Why? For these traveling families, they want to spend time together and make memories without the distractions of life. Schedules are busy and it’s not easy to coordinate everyone at once, so the offer of a vacation sponsored by the grandparents proves to be incentive to clear schedules.

What will capture the interest of your family? Cruises, yachts, Italian villas, family heritage trips, all-inclusive resorts, adventure, safaris, and the Galapagos are options that make everyone happy. Ocean ship cruising offers something for all ages. Some ships are small cities with kids' clubs, rides, games, shows and adults only options. All this before the first port to explore a new destination each day. Cruise the Caribbean for sun, the Mediterranean for culture, history and cuisine, and Alaska for outdoor adventure and scenery.

River cruising no longer trends only toward our seasoned travelers. Many river cruises target families with active and engaging experiences onboard and at each port. The ports are nestled in cities and towns for ease of exploring on your own or tours. You won’t find a water slide onboard, but you may find a pool on the top deck and a movie theater for the short times on the ship.

Some of us never learn to share so if space and your own pace is what your family wants, chartering a yacht is a fabulous way to island or city hop without a strict agenda. Enjoy water sports right off the yacht, hop off for the day to explore islands on your own and return to a fresh meal prepared from your onboard staff. Imagine sharing the Galapagos with your children and grandchildren when they find themselves face to face with a sea lion and observing sea life in their natural habitat. You can have a land-based trip in unique hotels, stay on small boats or the largest ship at 100 passengers which offers a luxurious onboard experience. The Galapagos is definitely a bucket list destination, and the memories are sure to last forever.

Who doesn’t love the stories from generations past? Family heritage trips keeps these stories alive by learning the roots of your heritage together. Many companies specialize in this area and help you find the answers to those burning questions about where it all started!

Unfolding the mysteries of the African wilderness as a family is an unparalleled experience. It's not just spectacular to witness the daily drama of wildlife action, but engaging with nature is known to broaden young minds, and the rich diversity here serves as an outdoor classroom like no other. Imagine the awe your little granddaughter would express when she sees a Giraffe for the first time!

Adventure travel invites all travelers no matter the age or fitness level on e-bike tours, hiking and walking tours. Try the Via Ferrata in the Dolomites, skiing in the Alps, and a zipline in Costa Rica. Whether you want to race down the mountain together or sip hot chocolate in the chalet cheering for your favorite grandchild, it’s quality time and memories cherished forever.

Beyond building timeless memories, multigenerational travel cultivates understanding and deepens the roots of your relationships. No longer bound by geographical proximity, you get to witness your loved ones discover, grow, and explore new horizons.

Being amidst loved ones while traversing the global landscapes is a shared joy and an experience worth every moment of planning. So, broaden those horizons, pack those bags, and let Best Travel be your guide through the enchanting realms of multigenerational travel! Tell your story, seal those bonds, and explore without age boundaries. Create travel moments to cherish for generations to come.

The Importance of Diagnostic Testing for Early Disease Detection

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 17:18:37 GMT

The Importance of Diagnostic Testing for Early Disease Detection

When it comes to your health, it's always better to be proactive than reactive. By identifying potential health issues early on, you can often avoid more serious health problems down the road. That's where diagnostic testing comes in - these tests can provide valuable information about your health and help identify potential health issues before they become more serious.

At ENJ Diagnostics, we understand the importance of early disease detection through diagnostic testing. Our team of medical professionals is dedicated to providing accurate and reliable diagnostic testing services to help you stay on top of your health.

So why is early disease detection so important? There are several key reasons:

Catching diseases early can lead to more effective treatment

When a disease is caught in its early stages, it is often easier to treat. This is because the disease has not had a chance to progress and cause significant damage to your body. For example, if a tumor is caught early, it may be possible to remove it with surgery before it spreads to other parts of the body. On the other hand, if the tumor is not caught until it has already spread, the treatment options become much more limited.

Early detection can improve your chances of survival

In some cases, early disease detection can be a matter of life or death. For example, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 99% when it is caught in the early stages, but drops to 27% when it has spread to other parts of the body. The earlier the disease is detected, the better your chances of surviving it.

Preventative measures can be taken to avoid disease progression

In addition to treatment, there are often preventative measures that can be taken to avoid disease progression. For example, if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, you may be able to make lifestyle changes or take medication to prevent it from developing into a more serious condition like heart disease.

At ENJ Diagnostics, we offer a range of diagnostic testing services to help identify potential health issues before they become more serious. Some of the tests we offer include:

Comprehensive blood panels
Hormone testing
Genetic testing
Heart & Cardiovascular testing
Weight Management testing
& Many More!

By getting regular diagnostic testing, you can stay on top of your health and catch potential health issues early. If you're not sure which tests are right for you, our medical professionals can help you develop a personalized testing plan based on your health history and risk factors.

In conclusion, early disease detection through diagnostic testing is crucial for maintaining good health. By identifying potential health issues early on, you can receive more effective treatment, improve your chances of survival, and take preventative measures to avoid disease progression. At ENJ Diagnostics, we are committed to helping you stay healthy and catch potential health issues early.

For more information: (571) 260-0700

18th Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 14:59:55 GMT

Kick off the Holiday Season in South Fairfax!

Lots of family fun and activities are being planned to kick off the holiday season here in South Fairfax at the 18th annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza. This annual event which attracts more than 3,000 people, is the largest holiday event in the area. The South Fairfax Chamber and several Chamber member businesses are pleased to sponsor this great community event.

The day starts with Santa arriv ing on a Lorton Volunteer Fire Department fire truck at the South County High School football stadium at 8:20am. The 7th annual Candy Cane Kids' Fun Run benefitting the SoCo Swim & Dive teams kicks off at 8:30a. Following the run at 9a, Santa will lead everyone inside during Santa's Jingle Bell Parade . Other kids' activities include a FREE Scavenger Hunt, face painting, Trademasters' Kids' Fishpond , games, and Child ID and Fingerprinting courtesy of the Fairfax Co Sheriff. Kids can shop for everyone on their gift list at the Jingle Bell Kids' Shoppe Experience . For only $8 an item, kids can pick out gifts for family and friends with the assistance of SCHS student helpers.

Photos with Santa are from 10:00a-12 noon with Santa Steve Adams (the real Santa!).

This is also a great chance to get an early start on your holiday shopping while also supporting local small businesses. 190 vendors will showcase their handcrafted items for sale. The South County Band have some must-see items up for bid at the annual silent auction. Santa's 6th Annual Book Emporium features unique gift baskets for the book lover on your gift list.

Call for Blood Donors

Blood supplies across the region are critically low so the South Fairfax Chamber is partnering with #SFCCMember Inova for a much-needed blood drive. Please consider signing up to donate blood on Saturday, Dec 2 from 9a-2p at South County High School. The Inova Blood Services blood mobile will be on-hand in the school parking lot. All donors receive FREE admission to the 18th Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza and a FREE shopping bag courtesy of the South Fairfax Chamber. After donating, come inside to shop with 190 handcraft vendors and don't forget to stop by the Chamber's booth! Sign up here at https://bit.ly/SFC122023.

General admission to the Extravaganza is only $3. Kids under 12, Military & Veteran families, FCPS Staff & Teachers and Dec 3 blood donors are FREE ! Proceeds benefit the South County PTSO, SCHS Swim & Dive, and the SCHS Band Boosters. Joining the Chamber in sponsorship are SFCC members: Trademasters Services ; Casey Whitmarsh, State Farm Agent ; Potomac Music , and Brynmor Early Education & Preschool . Please help the Chamber to support this great community event and keep it going for many years to come! For more info: www.southcountyptso.org or 7th Annual Candy Cane Kids' Fun tickets.

The Science of Early Childhood Education

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 19:21:12 GMT

The Science of Early Childhood Education

By Rhian Evans Allvin, Chief Executive Officer, Brynmor Early Education & Preschool

For more than 20 years, neuroscience has confirmed what parents, grandparents and early childhood educators have suspected for a long time. The first five years of life are the most profound period of brain development in the human lifespan. In these years infants, toddlers and preschoolers develop the synaptic connections and foundations for learning and development. This includes their language, cognitive, social, emotional and physical attributes. In fact, a child’s brain at age five is 90% the size of an adult brain.

To make the most of this extraordinary time of development, children need to have experiences rich in conversation, curiosity, nurturing and learning. Environments such as these will set the stage for strong language and conversational skills, impulse control, the early stages of math and reading development, and early exposure to the scientific wonders of life on our planet.

Sadly, the science of early learning does not match the choices families have for high-quality child care. Nor are child care professionals adequately compensated.

Close to 70% of families across the United States enroll their children in child care. The majority of children ages birth to five are spending part or all of the day in child care. Despite the high demand and the strong evidence that warrants high-quality child care, only 7% of children are in programs accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). And close to half of early childhood educators earn wages low enough to qualify for public assistance. Only 15% of early childhood educators have employer-sponsored health insurance. This has to change.

After spending close to three decades in early childhood education policy and advocacy, I decided that it was time to try to influence the quality of early childhood education from a different direction–by opening early childhood education programs that are high-quality, in communities with diverse ethnic, racial and socioeconomic families, and where early childhood educators are treated like the professionals they are. In 2022 I stepped down from serving as CEO at NAEYC to launch Brynmor Early Education & Preschool (Brynmor). I am motivated by the belief that we know too much to have young children in low-quality programs. If we are really going to deliver on the promise of early childhood education, early childhood educators must have the opportunity to work for employers who will value their professional expertise and trust them as the primary partners to families.

When I decided to launch Brynmor, I searched for the ideal location in Fairfax County. I am thrilled to have found Lorton and specifically Liberty Market. According to county population data, there are more than a 1,000 children within 10 minutes of Liberty Market who need care but don’t have access. The historic buildings at Liberty Market offer beautiful space, ample light and great outdoor settings for children to realize their full potential. We will serve children six weeks through age five in full-day, full-year care.

Once we are licensed, we will enroll in the Virginia Child Care Subsidy program and the Child Care Aware of America Military Assistance program–which will help families offset the high costs of care. We also have a local partner who is offering substantial scholarships for families whose total household income is between $69,000-$120,000 per year. We are a Virginia Values Veterans-certified organization and are looking to hire highly qualified early childhood educators.

We expect construction to be done by September 5th and we will open our doors to children and their families on October 1st. We are so grateful to have been welcomed into the Lorton community. We have met many wonderful partners through the South County Chamber of Commerce! Lorton clearly knows the value of high-quality early childhood education. We look forward to serving you.

If you are seeking additional information about enrollment and/or employment, check out our website at www.brynmorearlyed.com or call us at 570.347.1100.

South Fairfax Chamber's Inaugural Commerce Carnival!

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 18:05:51 GMT

South Fairfax Chamber's Inaugural Commerce Carnival!

The first-ever Commerce Carnival sponsored by the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce was well-received by those who attended the Lorton 2023 Spring Fling. "We wanted to have a presence at this community event while also offering Chamber members the opportunity to interact with the public," says SFCC Vice Chair Terry Head of Compass Coaching & Consulting. The Chamber's Events Committee came up with several complimentary games and participating SFCC members supplied the prizes. "It was exciting," says Head. The community was invited to spin for prizes, play a matching card game or toss a corn hole bag. "People could win everything from a branded drinking tumbler, a bag of sweet treats or a gift card to a local business."

In addition to Head, participating South Fairfax members included Thomas W. Repczynski of Offit Kurman, Brian Gottlieb, Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, the Emma Jordon Kidz Fighting Cancer Foundation, and the Metropolitan School of the Arts.

"At the SFCC we really enjoy regularly networking with fellow members," says Head, "but this Commerce Carnival provided Chamber members the opportunity to engage with the community which is invaluable."

For more information on how to participate with the Chamber in local community events, email SFCCExecDirector@gmail.com.

“de facto” Wills and the Harmless Error Rule – Part One

Tue, 30 May 2023 18:48:52 GMT

“de facto” Wills and the Harmless Error Rule

This is the first of a two-part article on “de facto” wills based in substantial part on a piece I previously published several years ago in the Virginia State Bar’s Trusts and Estates Section Newsletter, Vol. 22 No. 13. In part one, I explain the basics of the statutory Harmless Error Rule and how when timely seeking a court’s application of the Rule, an otherwise non-compliant, legally deficient will might nevertheless be deemed to be legally enforceable in certain circumstances.

Is a document that is not valid will capable of being deemed a will – a “de facto” will, if you will?

Yes, a document intended to be a will, but failing to satisfy all the statutory requirements for being automatically accepted as such, might nevertheless be capable of being deemed a will in appropriate circumstances. To understand what I mean by a “de facto” will, it is first necessary to appreciate what it takes to be a valid will.

Not every state applies the same test for recognizing a valid or “self-proving” will, i.e., a document that is legally accepted as a will without the need for any additional evidence. If all the necessary signature attestation requirements have been followed (for instance, notarized signatures, witnesses’ signatures, etc.) — what I like to refer to simply as all of the attestation “whistles and bells,” a document will be accepted officially without the need for anyone to testify or otherwise establish the specifics as to how it was prepared, who was present at the time, etc. The will, in effect, proves itself!

Not every document intended as a will meets all the statutory requirements, however. Formerly, a document intended as a will without all the whistles and bells was simply rejected as if it had never been written. Nowadays, with the adoption of the so-called “Harmless Error Rule,” or, simply, “the Rule,” an otherwise legally deficient document determined to have been intended as a will (or an improperly carried out change to an otherwise proper will) may be upheld as a valid testamentary disposition in certain circumstances. In other words, even if you screw it up, legally speaking, the law now allows for certain screw-ups to be overlooked or overcome with sufficient evidence as to what you really meant to do.

Section 64.2-404 calls upon a will proponent to establish by clear and convincing evidence that the decedent intended the document or writing as or to accomplish one of several possible outcomes: adding to, altering, or revoking an existing will; making a new will; or reviving a previously revoked will in whole or in part.

Virginia Code Section 64.2-404, derived from Section 2-503 of the Uniform Probate Code (UPC), is Virginia’s enactment of the Harmless Error Rule. In effect, the Rule states that certain defects may be forgiven if sufficient proof can be shown at trial that the testator intended the faulty document to be the testator’s will. One seeking to have such a document upheld as a will, known as the “proponent” of the will, must present clear and convincing evidence to establish that the testator intended the document (or alteration) to effect a final testamentary disposition, that is to say, a transfer at death. A key word here is “final.” The actual statutory language allows a writing not executed with all the proper attestation whistles and bells to be admitted to probate as a will if it is supported by clear and convincing evidence of intentionality and finality.

The purpose of the Rule is to allow a judge to excuse certain otherwise harmless errors in creating a will in much the same manner as has long been allowed for similar mistakes made with other important end-of-life documents such as with life insurance beneficiary designations, for example. Case studies and evidence considered during the development of the statutory Rule suggested that the remedial impact of the Rule would primarily apply in situations either where witness signatures were lacking or instances where the testator marks up an otherwise valid will (for example, inserting/adding a provision or crossing out one term or name and replacing or substituting another in its place). Let it be said here for emphasis — one should not make such changes to a properly executed final will document. Don’t do it! As should be plain from context, doing so potentially invalidates the entire document. Minimally, it calls into question the finality of the document as a whole and raises questions as to the timing of the change, the capacity of the person at the time of making the change, and, absent proper witnessing, whether the change was made by the testator him- or herself (or perhaps with some form of “gun to the head” when doing so!). One of the key factors to be considered if a court is to be convinced that any missing whistle or bell is, in fact, harmless error is the extent to which the proponent can establish convincingly the circumstances at the time the testator created the less than perfect document or made any changes to an existing document.

What about handwritten (or holographic) wills — the exception to the exception?

It is true that, at least in Virginia, a signed will prepared entirely in the handwriting of the testator is legally sufficient as a will, even without all the attestation whistles and bells. A fully handwritten will does not need to be witnessed or notarized to be valid and enforceable. Such an exception is still subject to burdens of proof imposed on the will’s proponent. For instance, a proponent of such a will faces the burden of establishing sufficiently that the handwriting and signature are that of the testator.

In part 2, I will address Virginia’s non-uniform additions to the Harmless Error Rule (the signature requirement and one-year limitations period); what one might look for when trying to meet the heightened “clear and convincing” evidentiary burden.

________________

This work is intended for the non-lawyer wondering whether to involve a lawyer in the preparation of one’s will or a change to one previously made (you absolutely should!) and for family members or friends of departed loved ones who discover a document which you think might or could have been an attempt by the dearly departed to express their testamentary wishes in a form and manner that may or may not be legally sufficient to be accepted as the final will of the decedent. If you happened upon this article while conducting on-line legal research on the subject, I commend you to the prior publication. The earlier piece was intended for legal practitioners, complete with case and statutory citations and cross-references to scholarly sources upon which I relied at the time. Since publishing the original work, I have continued to be involved in cases with ever-evolving fact patterns of situations where proponents and opponents legally battle over the legal enforceability of documents which may or may not have been intended as testamentary dispositions, i.e., will documents seeking to dispose of one’s property at death.

ABOUT THOMAS REPCZYNSKI

Thomas Repczynski is a Principal, Shareholder and the Chair of the Commercial Litigation (South) Practice Group Offit Kurman, focused on developing and expanding the firm’s Estates and Trusts Litigation practice area. Tom’s practice emphasizes inheritance-related matters involving will/trust/insurance beneficiaries, executors, trustees, guardians, and attorneys-in-fact under Powers of Attorney and includes creditors’ rights enforcement, real estate litigation, and general commercial business disputes. Tom routinely pursues, defends, and negotiates the broadest range of fiduciary proceedings pre- and post-judgment actions and workouts, and real-estate related disputes of all types (e.g. commercial leasing, title, inheritance, etc.).

A Holistic Approach to Managing Cholesterol: Looking Beyond the Numbers

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:10:09 GMT

Managing Cholesterol Levels

Most of what we hear about cholesterol is bad news. That’s because high cholesterol levels in your blood can contribute to heart disease, which kills more Americans than all cancers combined. But your body actually needs a certain amount of cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance that is mainly produced by the liver. It is used to make certain hormones, like estrogen and testosterone, as well as vitamin D and bile acids, which help digest fat. Cholesterol also is used to build healthy cell membranes in the brain, nerves, muscles, skin, liver, intestines and heart. But it only takes a small amount of cholesterol to meet these needs.

Too much of the wrong kind of cholesterol can put your health at risk – which is why you don’t want to add too much cholesterol to your diet. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 38 percent of adults in the United States have high cholesterol levels.

When you have too much cholesterol in your blood, the excess contributes to plaque deposits in the lining of the arteries, including the ones that feed your heart. These deposits narrow the arteries and reduce blood flow (a condition known as atherosclerosis), which can lead to heart disease, heart attack and stroke (when occurring in the brain). About 80 percent of people who have a heart attack have high cholesterol.

High blood cholesterol does not cause symptoms but can be identified by a simple blood test ordered by your doctor. The America n Heart Association recommends all adults over age 20 have their cholesterol levels checked every four to six years.

Cholesterol moves through your body inside substances called lipoproteins, which are made from fat and proteins. A blood test, which is usually done after fasting, will measure:

Total cholesterol
LDL or low-density lipoprotein, also known as “bad” cholesterol
HDL or high-density lipoprotein, also known as “good” cholesterol – higher levels of HDL are beneficial because HDL can help to remove “bad” cholesterol from your arteries
Triglycerides , which are another form of fat in the blood – high triglyceride levels are linked to a higher risk of heart attacks

What to Know About the Numbers

When it comes to the numbers, it’s important to remember that there is no “one size fits all.” That’s why we prefer to deemphasize the numbers and, instead, focus on a more holistic approach to identify those at highest risk for cardiovascular disease. While the numbers are important, they are not hard and fast dividing lines in most people. Your target numbers depend on your risk profile, which includes your family history, medical history and lifestyle. People at higher risk for heart disease and stroke have lower targets.

In general, we recommend cholesterol-lowering medications for people with an LDL above 190 who have failed to lower their cholesterol with diet and exercise. But, for example, if you have diabetes, we are very aggressive about prescribing medication if your LDL is above 70. The risk factors we consider include:

Diabetes
History of heart disease, heart attack or stroke
High blood pressure
Age (risk increases over time)
Family history
Chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis
Metabolic syndrome
Early menopause
HIV
Certain ethnicities (like South Asian)
Certain pregnancy-associated conditions
Lifestyle (sedentary, smoking, obesity)

How to Manage Your Cholesterol Levels

Improve your diet. The best way to lower your dietary cholesterol is to reduce your intake of saturated fat and trans-fat. This means limiting red and processed meats, dairy products with whole milk, and fried foods. Try cooking with healthy plant oils such as olive oil, flaxseed oil or grapeseed oil. A heart-healthy diet limits sodium and sugar and emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fiber, poultry, fish and nuts.
Become more physically active . An active lifestyle can increase HDL, which may help to remove “bad” cholesterol from your arteries.
Quit smoking . It’s never too late to quit, and it will make a big difference in your health.
Lose weight .
Drink alcohol in moderation . Studies show that excessive drinking can increase LDL and triglyceride levels.
Take your medication as prescribed by your doctor . A significant body of research supports the use of statins to decrease your risk of heart attack and stroke. If you have already had a cardiovascular event, statins can extend your life. We are also seeing good results with relatively new cholesterol drugs like Repatha® and Praluent® that patients can inject themselves every two weeks. We typically prescribe these drugs for people who are at higher risk, those who already had a cardiovascular event or individuals who cannot take a statin because of side effects.

To schedule an appointment with an Inova cardiologist, call 877.634.6682 .

Jason Morda, MD, is an Inova cardiologist who is board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease. He practices in the Inova Cardiology offices located in Alexandria, Springfield-Franconia, Mount Vernon and Woodbridge. He attended medical school at the University of Virginia and did his residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland. He also completed his fellowship in cardiology and cardiovascular disease at University of Michigan. Dr. Morda joined Inova in 2015 after practicing in Northern Virginia, which he has done since 2008.

Why Your Business Needs to be on Social Media

COlivo@southfairfaxchamber.org (Carla Olivo) — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 18:13:36 GMT

Why Your Business Needs to be on Social Media

Many business owners struggle trying to run a successful business while promoting that business. With more than 3 billion people using social platforms around the world, can you really afford not to? Like it or not, social media is becoming an increasingly valuable marketing tool and one that business owners would be foolish to ignore.

Some recent stats (according to BusinessDIT):

71% of small- to medium-sized businesses use social media to market themselves
52% percent of those who do so post at least once a day
63% of customers actually expect businesses to provide customer service through their social media
90% of social media users have already connected with a brand or business through their preferred platform.

Social media for busines s is no longer optional. It is an essential way to reach clients and customers, while gaining valuable insights, and growing your brand. So what are you waiting for?

There are many benefits to utilizing social media to reach potential customers to include boosting brand awareness and increasing inbound traffic to your website. The cost of advertising on social media tends to be lower than traditional advertising methods such as print media. Using social media allows you to have a targeted reach and to pinpoint prospects, while increasing conversions and ultimately getting a higher return on investment. Advertising on social media also allows for real-time performance analysis. You will know if your ad is reaching those you intend with a call to action. You have the ability to change your ad and almost instantaneously see the results.

Many business owners feel they are simply too busy to engage in social media for their business. But social media is here to stay and there are many ways to participate and reap the benefits without putting in a lot of time and money. Step one is creating an account on those social platforms you think might benefit your business the most. Step two is doing some research online on the best approaches to social media marketing for businesses. Step three is joining the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce or upgrading your current SFCC membership to an annual Sustaining Membership which includes some social media guidance and support with every membership. The Chamber also promotes SFCC Members across their social media platforms. These professionally designed posts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram can be utilized on your social media at no additional cost.

Additionally, the Chamber engages in reciprocal social media sharing by monitoring the pages of Members and frequently sharing their posts across the SFCC's social media platforms. If there is something of importance a Member wants promoted, the Chamber can help to spread the word across all their social platforms.

Jumping on the social media bandwagon is a must if you want to succeed in today's market. From large corporations to small mom-and-pop shops, all businesses can benefit from having a social media presence. Add social media to your marketing strategy with a little help from the Chamber. Contact the Chamber at SFCCExecDirector@gmail.com for details on making social media work for your business.

Why a Chamber Membership Might be Just What your Business Needs

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 13:50:40 GMT

Why a Chamber Membership Might Just Be What Your Business Needs

There are many reasons why a business owner might choose to join a Chamber of Commerce. Some want networking opportunities. Others take advantage of the educational opportunities a Chamber can provide, while others merely want Chamber membership on their resume.

Whatever the reason, the South Fairfax Chamber is here to fit the bill. Our Sustaining Memberships provide frequent networking opportunities. In addition, new businesses or those experiencing changes in their business model can take advantage of our ribbon-cutting and grand opening packages which come with membership.

The Chamber also provides social media assistance to its members. Many business owners find themselves overwhelmed with trying to promote their business while they are running their business. Unfortunately, when owners get busy, marketing efforts tend to suffer. SFCC members can give their social media a boost with a Chamber membership. All annual Sustaining Chamber members receive some form of social media marketing. The Chamber can also assist with tips to create social media posts and we will share your posts across our social media platforms.

All Sustaining Members receive a landing page on our website. This page is designed by the professionals at ChamberNation at no additional cost to you. If you already have a website, the landing page can provide a direct link to your established page. A Chamber membership includes a Mobile App and a texting keyword which acts as an electronic business card. You publicize your specific keyword and when potential customers or clients text it, your business information pops up on their phone.

The landing page which comes with every membership allows members to share information about their business or use the landing page to direct potential customers to an already existing website. Potential clients have YOUR business information at their fingertips!

For the cost of a single, professionally designed social media post, Chamber members receive access to the Mobile App and keyword, social media assistance and guidance, a professionally designed landing page which can direct potential customers to your website or social media platforms and interesting, fun networking opportunities for a whole year.

Give us a call or send an email to SFCCExecDirector@gmail.com to find out how you can access these benefits for your business. We would love to have you join us!

Kick Off the Holiday in Lorton

COlivo@southfairfaxchamber.org (Carla Olivo) — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 14:39:29 GMT

Kick off the 2022 Holiday Season!

The holiday season gets underway here in South Fairfax with the 17th annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show . The Chamber and several Chamber members are pleased to sponsor this great community event. Following Covid, many community events had to be canceled but the Extravaganza is back and looks to be better than ever!

Get an early start on your holiday shopping and support local small businesses by shopping with 180 handcraft vendors, a silent auction, and fun and games for the kids! Santa arrives on a fire truck to South County High School's football stadium at 8:20am . The 6th annual Candy Cane Kids' Fun Run benefitting SoCo Swim & Dive kicks off at 8:30a . Other kids' activities include a Sing-Along with Santa at 10a followed by book readings and signings by local children's authors! Kids can get the experience of doing their own holiday shopping at the Jingle Bell Holiday Kids' Shoppe where EVERY item is only $8! Photos with Santa are from 10:30a-12 noon with Santa Steve Adams (the real Santa!). Kids’ games, face painting and Greetings for the Troops run 9a-3p. Santa's Book Emporium features unique gift baskets for the book lover on your gift list! FREE Child ID and Fingerprinting are courtesy of the Fairfax Co Sheriff.

Blood supplies across the region are critically low so the Chamber is partnering with SFCC Member Inova for a much-needed blood drive. Please consider signing up to donate blood on Saturday, Dec 3 from 9a-2p at South County High School . The Inova Blood Services blood mobile will be on-hand in the school parking lot. All donors receive FREE admission to the 17th Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show and a FREE shopping bag courtesy of the South Fairfax Chamber. After donating, come inside to shop with 180 handcraft vendors and don't forget to stop by the Chamber's booth! Sign up at https://buff.ly/3AHJoWb or call 866-256-6372, Sponsor Code 7720

General admission is only $3. Kids under 12, Military & Veteran families, FCPS Staff & Teachers and Dec 3 blood donors are FREE! Proceeds benefit South County PTSO, SCHS Swim & Dive, SCHS Crew Team, and SCHS Band Boosters. Joining the Chamber in sponsorship are SFCC members: Trademasters Services; Casey Whitmarsh, State Farm Agent; All Smiles Orthodontics, Potomac Music, and the Springfield/Lorton Dental Group. Please help us to support this great community event and keep it going for many years to come! For more info: www.southcountyptso.org or 6th Annual Candy Cane Kids' Fun Tickets, Sat, Dec 3, 2022 at 8:30 AM | Eventbrite

Inova Mount Vernon Hospital Recognized for Nursing Excellence

Sun, 17 Apr 2022 15:26:42 GMT

Bravo to Inova Nurses!

Only about 8 percent of the approximately 6,100 hospitals in the United States have achieved Magnet status and here in northern Virginia, we are lucky to have one in our own backyard! South Fairfax Chamber member Inova Mount Vernon Hospital has been designated as a Magnet® hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Magnet status is considered the highest organizational honor awarded for nursing excellence.

“Achieving Magnet designation is truly a testament to the steadfast commitment of our nurses and team members to provide the best in class care for our patients, their families and our community,” said Alquietta Brown, Chief Nursing Officer for Inova Mount Vernon Hospital. “We are incredibly proud of and grateful for our talented team here at Inova. To achieve this distinction during some of the most complicated and difficult years of our nation’s history truly exemplifies an extraordinary level of dedication, resilience and support for one another.”

“Magnet is recognition for all our team members,” said Maureen Sintich, Chief Nurse Executive (CNE) and Executive Vice President for Inova Health System. “It spans every part of the organization, from nurses to physicians to therapists, non-clinical team members and administration. Our ability to collaborate and work together ensures each of our patients receive high-quality, personalized care every time, every touch.”

Inova Fairfax Hospital was among the first in the country to be recognized as a Magnet hospital in 1997 and maintained the designation through 2015 and was designated again in 2020. Inova Loudoun and Inova Fair Oaks hospitals have maintained Magnet status since 2006 and 2009, respectively.

In addition to receiving its Magnet designation, Inova Mount Vernon Hospital also achieved six “exemplars” for top performance in the following categories:

· Nursing satisfaction

· Infection prevention for central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI)

· Infection prevention for catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)

· Care coordination

· Patient satisfaction for responsiveness

· Patient satisfaction for careful listening

Congrats to Inova and their outstanding nursing professionals!

Make Travel Memories

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 04:57:47 GMT

Make Travel Memories

Close your eyes and envision your most memorable day on vacation. The emotions that travel evokes, the feelings that you never want to end, the flavors that are new and delectable and the people who bring it to life are all part of your memories forever.

Spring Break 2022 is almost here which means it’s time to make more memories. But where? Travel is personal and travel planning is a process. Travel should be something that you are excited to plan, enthusiastic to experience and fondly remember forever which means that you should travel how and where you feel comfortable.

Looking for beaches, pools, fantastic service, and delicious food? Mexico has it all and is easy to fly to. Most people think All Inclusive in Mexico and it has some great ones, but don’t overlook true luxury accommodations, lots of history, culture and adventure!

Speaking of adventure, what about zip lining over rain forests, hiking volcanos, monkeys and more? Costa Rica has the best of both worlds with active excursions and relaxing beaches.

The most beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal blue water can be found around Caribbean islands. Each island has its own personality as well! Some have all-inclusive resorts where your every whim is taken care of while other islands encourage you to roam around to discover more.

If you really want to roam, Europe anyone? Imagine strolling along a cobblestone street by the river, stopping to enjoy a glass of wine, peaking into boutiques, and exploring castles and cathedrals all in a day. Or maybe you want to enjoy that glass of wine on the top deck of a river cruise ship as you sail by many quaint hillside towns and villages in Europe.

Have more time on your hands or looking to cross off a bucket list item? You will experience total relaxation and endless blue waters in the Maldives and the South Pacific. More adventure, unique wildlife and unforgettable experiences can be found in the Galapagos islands and Machu Picchu.

Travel memories bring those emotions and experiences back to life. Where will you make your new memories this year?

Be sure to consult with a Travel Advisor and your destination to understand the protocols required for travel.

10 Tips for Traveling during a Pandemic

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 14:44:31 GMT

10 Tips for Traveling during a Pandemic

Where are you traveling and how can you travel safely?

We wish that we could be blissfully ignorant about the words social distance, masks, quarantine, vaccines, COVID tests but the reality is you must know these facts to travel safely.

The great news is that you CAN Travel! No matter where you travel, follow these tips:

# 1 – Call a Travel Advisor (you won’t regret it)

#2 - Bring masks & hand sanitizer

#3 - Check for protocols for your destination:

o Are masks mandated indoors and with some activities? Bring masks because you will need them. If wearing a mask all the time is not your idea of a fun vacation than find another destination.

o Is proof of vaccination required to dine indoors and enjoy some activities? Many destinations are moving to this model.

o Is there a curfew? Unless you go to bed at 730, an 8pm curfew is no one’s idea of a great vacation.

o Is everything that I want to do and experience open? Are museums open? Is the spa and pool at the resort open and are all services available? Can I try that famous gelato place in Florence? Can I drink champagne overlooking San Marco’s square in Venice? Will I be able to see how small the Mona Lisa really is at the Louvre? Can the waiter bring me frozen cocktails all day on the beach at my favorite resort?

#4 - Be patient and respectful – many companies/airlines/hotels are still understaffed. There are mandated protocols that employees must enforce. Be nice, they are doing their job.

Traveling International? See #1-4 AND…

#5 - Check for entry requirements. Destination’s requirements differ and change daily. Some countries mandate vaccines, require a negative PCR test, health certificates, passenger information forms, restrict tourism to specific parts of the country, require specific travel insurance in case you have to quarantine, require apps to upload vaccination and test status. Some destinations require ALL of these.

#6 – After reading #5, See #1

#7 – Before you depart the US, ask your destination hotel if they provide an antigen test so you can be tested within 3 days of your return to the US. Many resorts provide tests onsite or refer you to a local pharmacy.

#8 – Understand how, where and cost of quarantining if you test positive before returning to the US.

#9 – Purchase travel insurance for cancellation, trip interruption, medical, pre-existing conditions, and quarantine. A wise travel insurance partner told me “Travel insurance is the biggest waste of money that you were so thankful to have”.

# 10 – See #1 then relax. Travel Advisors are educated, experienced professionals who know the requirements for travel. Not to mention the value Travel Advisors have ALWAYS had including relationships with travel partners around the world to ensure you can experience everything you have dreamed of on your vacation. We create customized itineraries based on you.

Ultimately, the magic and inspiration of travel are worth the effort of the rules and requirements!

Happy Travels!

Inova Awards $240K in Community Health Fund Grants to Local Nonprofits

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 15:34:34 GMT

Inova Awards $240K

Inova Health System awarded $240,000 in Community Health Fund grants to 14 local nonprofit organizations this month. The Community Health Fund is an opportunity for Inova to invest in the community through partnerships that address population health needs and promote equity for all. These partnerships reinforce Inova’s ability to provide world-class healthcare by supporting positive programs and opportunities that make a difference in the quality of life, health, and welfare of the communities we serve.

“We are very thankful for the life-changing work of our nonprofit partners in taking care of our community,” said J. Stephen Jones, MD, President and CEO of Inova Heath System. “Inova is proud to award these grants to fund programs that harness the collective power of our community partners to create positive social impact.”

Each year, Inova issues requests for applications to local nonprofit organizations to apply for Community Health Fund grants. In 2021, Inova doubled its funding to a total of $240,000 to address increased needs of our residents due to the COVID-I9 pandemic.

2021 Community Health Fund Awardees :

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington
Capital Youth Empowerment Program
The Campagna Center
Carpenter's Shelter Inc.
The Child and Family Network Centers
La Cocina VA
Loudoun Literacy Council
NOVA ScriptsCentral
Nueva Vida, Inc.
Our Minds Matter
SCAN of Northern Virginia
United Community
YMCA of Metropolitan Washington
The Women’s Center

For more information on the Community Health Fund and other Inova Community programs, visit inova.org/inova-community .

Life-saving COVID Treatment at Inova

COlivo@southfairfaxchamber.org (Carla Olivo) — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 14:52:04 GMT

Helping COVID-positive Patients Avoid a Hospital Stay

A life-saving treatment for those suffering from COVID-19 is available here in northern Virginia. Monoclonal antibody infusion has been authorized under an Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. South Fairfax Chamber member Inova is running several monoclonal antibody infusion clinics treating COVID-positive patients in Lorton, Fairfax, and Reston. The treatment is a one-hour infusion and has been proven to reduce hospitalizations and the severe symptoms of COVID.

Inova Lorton Healthplex Medical Director Dr. Mike Homeyer says in setting up the infusion clinics they have adhered to the highest level of infection control. “It is administered intravenously similar to a blood transfusion or chemotherapy.”

A monoclonal antibody infusion helps to boost your own body's immune system. These man-made antibodies mimic the antibodies your immune system begins to make after exposure to COVID-19. "The treatment specifically targets the spike protein of the virus and essentially blocks it from binding to your cells,” says Homeyer.

In April, Inova averaged between 40 and 50 people a day for treatment. “The good news is we have the capacity to see 80 patients a day if needed,” says Homeyer.

This potentially life-saving treatment is available to those 12 years and older, who weigh at least 88 pounds, test positive for COVID-19, and are only experiencing mild to moderate symptoms. The infusion only takes about an hour and then the patient is monitored for another hour for signs of potential allergic reaction. Homeyer says the most common side effect has been nausea. “It's been very well tolerated by most of our patients.”

“We’ve been able to help keep people out of the hospital and reduce their trips to the ER,” says Homeyer. “With more and more people becoming vaccinated, we are hoping to see a decline in the people who need this therapy.”

You cannot receive this treatment at your doctor’s office. Patients can be referred to the Inova clinic by their doctor or if a patient tests positive at an Inova hospital they can be treated in the emergency department. If you do not have a primary care provider, you can complete the self-referral form on the Inova website and you will be scheduled for a telemedicine appointment with an Inova Primary Care Provider to see if you qualify for the monoclonal infusion treatment. You can also call 571-472-4502 to schedule a telemedicine assessment appointment.

“Our goal is to help COVID positive patients stay out of the hospital and so far, this treatment has helped tremendously,” says Homeyer.

New Legislation Limits Business Expense Tax Deductions for Virginia Business Owners

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 20:46:14 GMT

New Legislation Limits Business Expense Tax Deductions for Virginia Business Owners

The complexities presented by federal COVID-19-related relief made Virginia’s conformity process especially challenging this year. Gov. Ralph Northam has signed legislation advancing the date of conformity of Virginia’s tax code to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code from Dec. 31, 2019, to Dec. 31, 2020. Due to the bill’s emergency clause, conformity goes into effect immediately and is retroactive.

The legislation allows the state to generally conform to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA). However, the legislation specifically deconforms from three provisions of the CARES Act that temporarily change limitations applicable to the net operating loss deduction, excess business losses, and the business interest deduction. This legislation also deconforms from the provision of the CAA that permanently reduces the medical expense deduction threshold.

Limits for Business Expense Deductions

The legislation conforms to the federal tax exemption for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan forgiveness and certain funding received under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) program. However, it partially deconforms from the provision of the CAA that allows taxpayers to claim a federal deduction for business expenses funded by forgiven PPP loan proceeds or EIDL funding proceeds. As a result, taxpayers must report a fixed date conformity addition equal to the amount of business expenses paid using tax-exempt EIDL funding when filing their Virginia income tax returns for Taxable Year 2020. The new legislation also limits the deduction for business expenses for PPP loan forgiveness recipients to a maximum of $100,000 for loans of more than $100,000 or up to the amount of the loan if less than $100,000.

Additionally, the legislation provides an income tax subtraction for Taxable Year 2020 for up to $100,000 of all grant funds received by a taxpayer under the Rebuild Virginia program.

For More Info

The Virginia Department of Taxation recommends those who received PPP loan forgiveness or EIDL funding consult the Department's website for guidance on how to make adjustments related to Virginia's partial deconformity from the federal tax treatment of PPP loan forgiveness and EIDL funding. Those who received Rebuild VA grants should similarly check the Department’s website regarding the Rebuild Virginia subtraction.

For more information: https://www.virginia.gov/agencies/department-of-taxation/

Tips for Supporting Small Business

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 21:46:16 GMT

Five Ways to Support Small Business

Many local businesses around NoVa have been forced to get creative, finding new ways to do business so they can remain open. There are some easy ways we can all support these local shops and restaurants and store owners.

“Local business really is essential for our economy,” says Tom Repczynski, Past Chair and current Board Member of the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce. “Along with providing local jobs, these small to medium sized businesses bring growth to our community.”

Five Simple Ways to Help

#1 Don't Stop Buying

If you have the financial means to do it, continue to pay your cleaning people, your lawn service, hair stylist, or dog walker. Repczynski says, “You want these businesses to still be around when life gets back to normal, so by continuing to use and pay for their services during this time, you are helping to keep them afloat.”

#2 Order Takeout or Delivery

Most restaurants have worked hard to make it as easy as possible for you to pick up food with ‘no-contact.’ Many of your favorite restaurants also continue to offer curbside service. Food delivery services such as DoorDash and Grubhub will bring dinner to your door.

#3 Purchase Gift Cards

We tend to buy gift cards around the holidays but anytime would be a good time to purchase a few from your favorite local shops. “This is a great way to inject some cash into a small business right now,” says Repczynksi.

#4 Shop Local Businesses Online

Many local businesses were forced to move services and products online when the shutdown first occurred. A nice benefit to us as consumers is that many businesses have continued online. You can browse from the comfort of your home and have purchased items either mailed to you or you can pick up in the store.

#5 Spread the Word!

Give your favorite stores, restaurants and services a social media shoutout. Let your Facebook friends or your Twitter followers know when you’ve enjoyed a meal from a local restaurant or when you got a great deal using a dry-cleaning coupon. “We love when people send us their reviews to share on the Chamber’s Facebook page,” says Repczynksi, “Our members really appreciate when customers share about them on their social media pages. You are not only offering a review, but you can help a shop by posting their hours of operation too.”

The government has provided some financial relief and other initiatives for local business, but it only goes so far. Repczynski says, “Ultimately it’s going to be up to us, the local Lorton/Fairfax community to support these businesses.”

Rebuild VA Expands Eligibility for Small Businesses & Nonprofits

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 04:24:33 GMT

Great news for Virginia small businesses and nonprofit organizations whose normal operations were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rebuild VA Grant Fund has expanded its eligibility criteria to allow more small businesses and nonprofits to apply. Any small business or nonprofit with $10,000,000 or less in gross revenue OR 250 or fewer employees may now apply. An additional $30 million has been dedicated to the grant fund with and the maximum grant award increasing from $10,000 to $100,000.

Rebuild VA is an economic recovery fund started last summer offering grants of up to $10,000 to qualified applicants to cover eligible expenses. Rebuild VA is administered by the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD).

Interested in applying?

• Read all the information available here and consult the application guide carefully before starting the application.

• Download the Virginia substitute form W-9; complete and upload it with your other documents

must be filled out completely
must match the information on the application
must be signed
the W-9 must include a DUNS Number
consult the W-9 example to complete your W-9

• Electronically format all supporting documents, and be ready to upload them before starting your application

• Applicants can check application status by logging into their application account

• Applications that are missing documents may take longer than 21 business days to review

Please review the Required Document Checklist before submitting your application.

Some eligible expenses include:

• Employee salaries and payroll support, including paid sick, medical, or family leave, and costs related to the continuation of group health care benefits during those periods of leave;

• Principal and interest payments for certain business loans;

• Mortgage payments, rent, and utilities;

A variety of Virginia small businesses from retail stores to eateries and nonprofit organizations that meet size and other eligibility requirements can apply. Those who previously received a Rebuild VA grant can be eligible to receive a second award if all updated eligibility requirements are met.

Why Your Business Needs a Virtual Assistant

COlivo@southfairfaxchamber.org (Carla Olivo) — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 18:40:30 GMT

By Carla Olivo

SFCC Asst. Executive Director

With the recent stay-at-home orders in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, many business owners have come to realize the value of communication both with employees and their customers. Staying connected virtually was not something most business owners thought about in the days before the shutdown. Sure, you heard how social media can help your business stay top of mind with consumers but who has time to tweet or post when you have a business to run?

The South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce realizes that for many business owners, there are not enough hours in the day to run a business let alone manage social media accounts. With having a digital presence more important than ever, the South Fairfax Chamber is proud to offer members a new program aimed at helping businesses to up their virtual presence.

Premium Technology & Marketing Program

The Premium Technology & Marketing Program (PTMP) is a new marketing option to increase the online visibility of SFCC members. Through the PTMP, members can utilize a designated Virtual Member Assistant to begin using the internet to their advantage. This new program has several features to help level the playing field for competition on the internet.

A Virtual Member Assistant is assigned to each participating SFCC member business to assist with achieving better online visibility through an updated state-of-the-art website landing page. Participation in the PTMP offers guaranteed space on a primary community mobile app, a listing in the SFCC Business Catalog, and a custom texting keyword for advertisements.

Time is Money

No time to build a virtual audience for your business? Let your personal Virtual Member Assistant get you started on improving your virtual footprint in the community. Now more than ever, it is important to use the internet to your advantage for your business.

If there is another flare up of the virus next year, your business can be positioned to communicate seamlessly both with customers as well as employees. Start today by utilizing all the SFCC’s Premium Technology and Marketing Program has to offer to jump start your social media outreach. Get the conversation going today with your customers so if we ever end up behind closed doors again, you can continue the conversation with your valued clients.

The best news is the PTMP is included with all new SFCC Sustaining Memberships! Legacy members have the option of adding this state-of-the-art program to their current membership.

The Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020 will go down in the history books, no doubt. What remains to be seen is how we as a community and nation bounce back. Now is the time to write that chapter for your business. Take advantage of what the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce can offer you as you make your way through these unchartered waters.

Click here to learn more about adding the PTMP to your lifetime membership for a fraction of the cost to hire someone on your own.

New Workplace Safety Guidelines Take Effect in Virginia

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 18:35:56 GMT

Newly Adopted Standards During the Pandemic

Virginia becomes the first state in the nation to adopt new workplace safety standards protecting employees during the pandemic. The Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board has approved these standards which apply to all businesses and take effect the last week of July 2020. The adopted workplace standards will be effective for six months or until the State of Emergency ends.

The newly adopted standards require all employers to:

Regularly clean high-contact surfaces, bathrooms and shared tools or equipment.
Provide easy and frequent access for employees to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer.
Mandate social distancing measures and face coverings for employees in customer-facing positions.
Mandate face coverings for employees when social distancing is not possible.
Assess work spaces for potential hazards that can cause exposure to COVID-19
Put in place an Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response Plan for high-risk employees.
Notify all employees within 24 hours if a coworker tests positive for the virus.
According to the state standards, employees who are known or suspected to be positive for COVID-19 cannot return to work for at least 10 days or until they receive two consecutive negative test.

Employers are also required to:

Provide COVID-19 training of all employees within 30 days (except for low-hazard places of employment)
Prepare infectious disease preparedness and response plans within 60 days (except for employers with 10 or less employees)
Post or present agency-prepared COVID-19 information to all employees
Provide flexible sick leave policies, telework and staggered shifts when feasible
Notify the Virginia Department of Health of positive COVID-19 tests
Notify VOSH of three or more positive COVID-19 tests within a two-week period

The new regs also require building and facility owners to report positive COVID-19 tests to the employer’s tenants. There are additional regulations for jobs deemed as medium, high or very high risk. Employers must classify whether jobs are “very high,” “high,” “medium” and “lower” risk based on potential exposure to the virus. High and very high-risk jobs include health care workers and first responders. Medium risk jobs are workers in settings such as restaurants, grocery and retail stores, correctional facilities, factories and plants.

The new regulations also protect employees who raise reasonable concerns about infection control to print, online, social or other media. The maximum penalty for violating the rules is set at $13,000, but “willful and repeat” violations could result in fines up to $130,000.

MELINDA FORTUNATO Q&A: BEST TRAVEL

richard@membermomentum.com (Richard Scully) — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Q&A WITH DAWN FROM DAWN M. SHEPHERD WEB DESIGN AND CREATION

richard@membermomentum.com (Richard Scully) — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 16:00:00 GMT

How did you get into this line of work?

In 1995 I was VP at Whole Systems Design, Inc., a company involved in product production and promotion. My duties at WSD included producing ads, brochures and packaging for our products. The internet was just getting off the ground and we were interested in the possibilities it represented for marketing. We looked into procuring a website, which represented a substantial investment. Our co-worker was an accomplished Apple tech and convinced us that we could DIY the project. He arranged installation of a T-1 line and set up a server, initially just to host our own website. The first website I built was for our product Masterball, a 3-D puzzle. I'm sure there are more sophisticated sites being built by grade schoolers today!

It didn't take long to realize that there was tremendous potential in providing internet hosting and web development services to other businesses, even though at the time most of the people we pitched to didn't know what the internet was. I left Whole Systems Design in 1998 and have since worked as a freelance web developer.

Were you an artistic child? Is being artistic an attribute you need to be successful or are other skills more important?

I have always had a passion for art, and having a good design sense is a very useful skill for a web developer. However, there are many aspects of web or app development outside of graphics creation. There are jobs for anyone with good communications and analytic skills.

How do you keep your designs fresh and interesting?

It's hard to believe how much has changed with the internet since I first started working on websites in 1995. I can remember having conversations with clients convinced that no one would ever be foolish enough to buy anything online! And, just as with fashion, cars, or haircuts — styles change. To stay current with trends, I spend roughly 10 hours a week reading about new web development tools and trends.

Please give a rundown of the services you provide. Is it common for you to stay on to manage a website you’ve created or can a customer hire you only for the initial setup? Do you have a specialty or an area where you devote most of your time?

About 80 per cent of my business is building new websites or redesigning existing sites. Some of my clients want to maintain their own websites, and there are others that I work with for ongoing updates and continued development of their sites. I produce regular email newsletters for several clients, and also do some work with print graphics such as brochures, flyers, advertising and postcards.

What sets your business apart from similar operations in this competitive field? How do your clients find out about you?

When I first started building websites there were no WYSIWYG web software programs or content management systems, such as WordPress. I learned to write html code from scratch. So in addition to creating the graphics and design for a site, I have a strong understanding of what is ‘under the hood.' Most of my new work comes from client recommendations.

Describe a typical day, assuming any of your days are typical. Do you have any tips or tricks for staying healthy and engaged while spending a good part of the day in front of a computer?

I am lucky in that I have never had any problem being self-motivated. Freelance work definitely requires discipline and good time management. I don't think I can describe a 'typical' day, as every day is different, depending on what projects I have ongoing. Last week I had two major jobs in progress. I was working with a client in France that was texting me starting at six in the morning (noon Paris time), and migrating a site from a server in Fiji, where they were just getting into the office at six in the evening, my time.

Tips for staying healthy while sitting at a keyboard all day? Don't do what I do! Get up and exercise!

What’s your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of the job is when there are checks in my mailbox.

Can you give us an idea of your client base?

Over the past 20-plus years I have done work for World Bank, AOL/Time Warner, Lockheed Martin, and Sony, as well many local businesses and organizations.

What are your other interests and hobbies when you’re not working?

In addition to graphics and web development, I have worked in the travel industry for over twenty years, representing classic barges cruising the canals and rivers of France. Learn more about this fabulous way to tour France at my website, https://BoutiqueHotelBarges.com

In my spare time, I enjoy photography and relaxing with friends. I also make several yearly 'field trips' to art museums in Washington, Baltimore, Richmond and Philadelphia. Over the past year I have taken dog agility classes with my Briard, Mr. Muddy Waters. He is a very shy dog and it has been great fun to see how much self confidence he has gained learning to tackle the various agility obstacles.

Contact info: dawnshepherd.com dawnshepherd@cox.net

Q&A WITH DR. CYNTHIA COY-BLACKWELL OF UNCAGED SOLUTIONS

richard@membermomentum.com (Richard Scully) — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Q & A WITH ZITA BUKY OF PHYSICALS PLUS

richard@membermomentum.com (Richard Scully) — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Q & A WITH LEO LAPOINTE OF HARBOUR GRILLE

richard@membermomentum.com (Richard Scully) — Thu, 30 May 2019 16:00:00 GMT

How did you get involved with the Harbour Grille?

My business partner Todd Crompton and I along with my wife Lisa have run a successful restaurant in Old Town Fredericksburg called Brock's Riverside Grill for twenty years. We were looking for a place where we could use the same recipe: Private events, outdoor seating, fresh food and live entertainment on the water. The Harbour Grille even has a railroad bridge in sight, the same as Brock’s.

When did you take over running The Harbour Grille? And does the location have any special meaning for you?

The current ownership has been involved since October 2018. I actually worked my first restaurant job at a restaurant in the same location called The Harbour Inn when I was 19. I worked security and then I was the kitchen expeditor, which means I was in charge of seeing that the right food got to the right table.

Didn’t you meet your wife Lisa at a restaurant?

I met Lisa in 1990 when we were both bartenders at Gecko’s, which was in the same building that now houses the Harbour Grille. We worked together as bartenders until 1999 when Brock’s opened and then got married in 2000. We’re still working together.

What changes have been made to the Harbour Grille since you took over?

We are and will constantly make improvements in all aspects of the restaurant, including physically (new booths in dining room, large gathering tables in the bar and deck areas). We’ll improve our menus and daily specials, staff policies , private events and holiday events as well.

Do you have any unique menu items that you’re famous for?

Our Old Town Salad, Crab Cakes, Bacon-wrapped scallops, Seafood Carbonara and New York Strip are our TOP sellers!

Any upcoming events? Brunches? Happy Hours?

We have live music every Friday (acoustics starting at 8 p.m.), Saturday (starting at 9 p.m.) and Sunday afternoon (starting at 4 p.m.). Sunday brunch is very popular on the waterfront with our Sunday Deck Party.. Happy Hour is 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Happy Hour goes till p.m. on Thursdays.

Can the Harbour Grille accommodate private events?

We have spaces that can hold 20-120 people for office parties, rehearsal dinners, retirement parties, birthday parties and other private events. Our Port Room is equipped with audio and visual for presentations and is a great space for groups of up to 50. Our Starboard Room is our main dining room and can seat up to 120 guests. Both rooms have beautiful views of the Occoquan Harbour Marina.

Anything else about the restaurant that our members might like to know?

Nobody has been successful in this location since the Harbour Inn. I always wanted to make it a great restaurant again, and we are bringing a similar style to this location that we have at Brock’s Riverside Grille. High-quality fresh food at reasonable prices with great service in a great atmosphere with entertainment on the waterfront!

Contact info Leo LaPointe info@theharbourgrille.com 703-548-0088 www.theharbourgrille.com

Q & A WITH KAREN CLEVELAND OF LEADERSHIP FAIRFAX

richard@membermomentum.com (Richard Scully) — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 16:00:00 GMT

What inspired you to form Leadership Fairfax?

Community leadership development programs were formed all over the country in the 80s in response to a new understanding that leaders could in fact be developed (as opposed to being born) and that in order to have a strong and sustainable community it takes leaders from the public, nonprofit and private sectors working together.

How long has your company been serving the community?

31 years

Can you highlight a few leadership projects that have improved a community?

I would first like to note that we run three experiential programs: Leadership Fairfax Institute (LFI) for senior leaders who want to continue to grow and augment their leadership journey by learning about the issues in the community; Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) for people who are just starting to manage people and projects and is more skill focused but participants execute a project submitted by a nonprofit to learn about giving back; and Lifetime Leaders Program (LLP) is for people who are retiring and want to learn about options for their next chapter ie. volunteering, joining a board, part-time work or starting a social enterprise.

Any upcoming events you'd like to highlight?

We are in the middle of the recruiting season for our programs that begin in September and run one full day a month through June. We have two upcoming information sessions where people can learn more about them to determine if they are a good fit. We host information sessions and webinars for folks to learn more about us. Information can be found on our website but upcoming sessions are scheduled for: Monday, 5/6/19 12:00-1:00 Informational Webinar; and Tuesday, 5/7/19, 5:30-7:00 Live Information Session, Leadership Fairfax Office 8230 Old Courthouse Rd., Vienna, VA 22182.

Is there a way for our members to become involved?

Chamber members can enroll in one of our programs, attend our signature events or simply engage in the community to make it the best it can possibly be for all Fairfax County residents. If they are doing this work they are sure to run into many of our 2000 alums.

How do the elected officials support your mission?

We are so grateful that our elected officials partner with us on a regular basis. They know that our alums “get it” and are trained community leaders with a broad perspective. To that end they look to us to fill critical seats on Boards, Authorities, Commissions and Task Forces. Each spring we host a Board of Supervisors Breakfast that is both informative and fun. We call it a “peak under the tent into the daily lives of the supervisors” and attendees really do get to know them at a deeper level.

Contact info: Karen@leadershipfairfax.org 703.752.7555 www.leadershipfairfax.org

Q&A WITH SFCC MEMBER JERRY HALEY OF SILVERBROOK NURSERY

richard@membermomentum.com (Richard Scully) — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Q& A WITH FELICIA NORMAN OF WALKING THE DOGS LLC

richard@membermomentum.com (Richard Scully) — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 16:00:00 GMT

When was Walking the Dogs started?

In March of 2007 - we have been serving the local area for 12 years! It’s hard to believe it has been so long. When I first started the company I figured if anyone loved their dog half as much as I loved my dog, they would pay me to walk their dog. I started putting out fliers and the business grew. I asked a couple of friends I had volunteered with and trusted, to join me on this new adventure. Many of our new employees were also military spouses, like me.

What type of animals do you care for?

I was surprised at the number of people who needed care for their cats, and other small animals so we added small animal care.

I have had cats most of my life, and am pretty crazy about them, so it was a natural fit to expand to small animals as well. We have had a few pets who have needed in depth care and we are able to provide things like insulin shots, sub Q fluids, and inhalers, etc for our clients based on our team’s experience with those types of issues. Having kids, I have also owned several types of small animals (hamsters, rabbits, etc) and tanks of fish, so we expanded from there. Our team is comprised of ladies with extensive knowledge about birds and reptiles as well.

We have served all of the following over the years: guinea pigs, rabbits, reptiles, fish (salt water, fresh water, koi ponds), sugar gliders, birds, ferrets, hamsters, turtles, and chickens.

We also do house checks, mail pick up, and plant watering inside or out when clients don't have pets, or take their dogs with them but still want someone to provide that lived-in look for their homes.

What’s your favorite part of the job?

Wow, that is a tough one! Probably getting to meet all of the pets. I get to see so many of them since I do the majority of our new client meetings. I also enjoy getting to meet all of the nice people who love their pets and want the best for them. Some of our clients have become personal friends to me and/or our team. We have met some really interesting breeds of dogs and cats, and some pretty fabulous rescue pets as well. I was surprised early on how attached you get to other people's pets. They really become a part of our family when we see them on a regular basis. Did I mention puppies and kittens... Ya, there would be that too! :-)

How does a client contact you?

Most of our new clients start with either a phone call or an email. It is probably 50/50. Once in a while someone will reach out to us through our social media, texting or through another existing client.

Sounds like a great job – are you hiring?

We are always looking for great people to join our team who love pets and want to spend their days outside getting exercise with dogs or inside snuggling with some kitties, bunnies, etc! We hire a lot of military spouses (active duty and retired); we find they are a great fit for our company. We also have several team members who are currently teachers that work with us. They do pet sitting for dogs or other small animals in the evenings or on the weekends. My husband is retired military, and we spent many years moving around. I know firsthand how hard it is to find a flexible job that is part time.

Lastly, what areas do you serve?

We serve the following areas: Springfield, Burke, Fairfax Station, Lorton, Fairfax, and a small bit of Annandale. We try to maintain that personalized feel to our company. We want each client to feel they are getting specialized treatment from our dedicated team for their special pets and the security of knowing their home, as well as their pets, are in good hands with us.

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