Fauquier Chamber of Commerce

Board Meeting

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Location – Path Foundation and via zoom

Present: Dawn Arruda, Priscilla Hottle, Lorna Magill, Caitlyn Atkins, Alec Burnett, Gloria Williams, Ray Knott, and Doug Parsons.  Angie Thomas attended via zoom.

2025 Board members attending as guests: Caroline Wood, Kenny Johnson, Rene Norden, and David Caulk.

Call to order at 8:30am by Dawn Arruda, Chair, who had a quorum present. Minutes from the previous meeting were approved.

Alec – Management Updates

3 new members were approved, generating $808.00 in income.  412 total Chamber members as of November

Alec wants the calendar to be set for the year in January even if we don’t have all the details.

Alec will be doing 3 letters to solicit 2025 Partnerships (1) previous partners (2) current Chamber members who have not previously been partners and (3) non-members.

2^nd edition of digital directory is available.  Paper copies will no longer have a date so there will be a longer shelf life.

Alec spoke w/ Remington Town Council.  The Chamber will be featured in Faces of Fauquier.  Benjamin will be doing social media.

Financial Report

Up $2,400 for November.  Up 45% over last year in income but still need to pay Gala catering.  Membership income is up 28%.  The numbers are down from goals but up over last year. Having Benjamin here let’s Alec get into the community and spend more time with businesses.

The Chamber has an average of $15,000.00 per month in expenses.  Motion made to accept financials and approved.

Lorna – EDLA

No EDLA meeting this month.  They are looking to have 3 to 4 events this year.  Letter was written re: supporting outdoor activities per PEC request, and signed by Lorna and Angie.  Letter was approved.

Events Committee update by Ray Knott

Dates have been set for 2025 for Gala (10/4), Valor Awards (4/23), and tentative date for the Fall Festival which will need final approval from the Town.  Women’s Business will be setting dates for the year soon.  Spencer Brian of Piedmont Fine Properties will be leading the Young Professionals this year since Benjamin has joined the Chamber as Operations Manager.

Old Business

Need to set a meeting to decide how the recommendations of the Strategic Planning Meeting will be implemented.  Need to review draft of board book and decide what to share with new board members. Priscilla will clean up the current book as some things no longer exist.

On board meeting for new members is set for January 8, 2025 @ 10:15am.

Update from Doug Parsons

ThE County is working with Dept. of Army and Army Corp of Engineers for a place to move 80 horses that are currently held at Ft. Meyer.  Potential for a 100 acre Farm in southern end of the county.  Funds must be approved by Congress.  Potential for a large manufacturer to move to Fauquier from Fairfax. Marshall now has 200 water taps on the market.  Opal water project is going well.

New Business

Priscilla, new Chairman.  Ray has agreed to be Vice Chair until a chair elect can be selected.

Rebecca has agreed to continue as Treasurer.  Executive Committee – Priscilla - Chair, Ray – Vice Chair, Dawn – Past Chair, Lorna – EDLA, Rebecca – Treasurer, and Gloria – Secretary. Request for performance review for Alec be submitted.

Meeting Adjourned – Motion made and approved.

Fauquier Chamber of Commerce

Board Meeting

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Location – Path Foundation and via zoom

Present: Priscilla Hottle, Dawn Arruda, Rebecca Segal, Caitlyn Atkins, Alec Burnett, Benjamin Musser, Gloria Williams, Caroline Wood, Kenny Johnson, Renee Norden, Dave Couk, and Doug Parsons.  Angie Thomas, Ray Knott, and Lorna Magill attended via zoom.

Executive Session was called.  Notes previously submitted.  Alec, Benjamin, and Doug left the meeting for this session and returned for the Board Meeting.

Call to order at 8:30am by Priscilla Hottle, Chair, who had a quorum present. Benjamin took roll call.  Minutes from the previous meeting were approved.

ReBecca – Financial Report – membership income is much better in 2024, $108,995 vs. $94, 895 in 2023.  We did not make budget estimates as corporate sponsorship income was down - $18,313 was collected v. $20,400 previous year.  There is a big push to get partnerships for 2025.

Expenses were well under control.

Net operating income was significantly better - $14,131 2024 vs. negative $44,720 in 2023.  Bottom line negative $7,700.66 in 2024 vs. negative $37,400 in 2023.  Looking forward to a positive 2025. Rebecca will be doing spreadsheets for each month.  The finance committee will be reviewing numbers at their meeting on 1/16.  They are looking for new members.

Motion made to accept the financials – approved.

Ray Knott – Events – Dates have been scheduled for all major events.  Valor is 4/23 at Laurel Ridge Community College.  We are currently working on sponsorships and finalizing catering.  Fall Festival Committee is in early planning stages.  The Town will not confirm the date until 6 months out but there appear to be no issues with the 1^st Saturday in October.  The Annual Meeting and Gala is scheduled for 11/13 and Airlie will be contacted to see if they will provide similar support as last year.

Alec – Management Updates

9 new members were approved, generating $2,230.00 in income.  421 total Chamber members. No deactivated members this month. Alec is working on Corporate partners being able to sign up and choose events or programs that they want.

Benjamin spent December working with Laura and is now working with Alec and focusing more on day-to-day operations.  Since Alec has Benjamin’s help he is looking at cutting some technology costs that are not necessary since he is no longer working by himself.  Benjamin is working on e-blasts and social media. Alec is requesting Board feedback on the Committee Guidelines.

As of January 1^st there is a 5% increase in dues.  Still keeping non-profits under $200.00

Alec explained that as long as a business is legal and ethical there is no need not to approve them.  If an application comes in with payment, a business is conditionally approved until the Board Meeting.

Lorna – EDLA

Lorna thanked Angie for serving as her co-chair of the EDLA Committee but because of all her work on data centers, Angie must step down.  Carlton Schutt has agreed to act as her co-chair.  They are looking to add new members.  They have agreed to have 4 events this year – a trades fair, a Hill Day, an Economic Summit, and a Candidates Forum. The EDLA theme for 2025 is Entrepreneurship.

Doug Parsons – Economic Update – The Caisson Platoon project previously discussed is moving forward.  The appropriations have been approved by the House but not yet the Senate. There are 2 potential businesses who could come to Marshall. One could potentially employ a large number of our “Alice” population.

UP[coming events – WBC has set 4 dates 3/18, 6/17, 9/16, 10/28.  All events will be held at Stonewall Golf Club.  Young Professionals – first Friday went well.  Next event at Salma’s Kitchen. After 5 scheduled for 1/23 at the Chamber office.

New Business –

Committee Assignments – Dave Couk will lead the Ambassador effort, Kenny Johnson will join EDLA, Caroline Wood will join EDLA, Renee will join WBC and the Ambassador Committee.

Caitlyn will continue to work on the Fall Festival.

Alec made arrangements for Mona McLinden of Ciao Bella Photos and Sweet & Simple Weddings to take headshots of Board members at the February meeting.

Alec is talking to FauquierNow about featuring Board Members. Members are asked to check the Chamber website to confirm that the information is correct.

Priscilla informed the board that Al Penska resigned and asked for input on potential replacements.

Meeting Adjourned – Motion made and approved.

Fauquier Chamber of Commerce
Board Meeting
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Location – Path Foundation and via zoom

Present: Priscilla Hottle, Lorna Magill, Rebecca Segal, Caitlyn Atkins, Alec Burnett, Benjamin Musser, Gloria Williams, Caroline Wood, Kenny Johnson, Renee Norden, Ray Knott, Angie Thomas, and Doug Parsons. Dave Couk attended via zoom.

Call to order at 8:30am by Priscilla Hottle, Chair, who had a quorum present. Benjamin took roll call. Minutes from the previous meeting were approved.

Rebecca – Financial Report – membership income is up by 11% so we are almost at budget. The gross income is up $29,686.00 which is a 77% increase. Expenses are up as we have added a position. January net income is $8,934.00. Finance committee will be meeting with Edward Jones to determine how much money to move into the checking account.

Motion made to accept the financials – approved.

Alec – Management Updates

12 new members to sign up and choose events or programs that they want. Screaming Eagle Plumbing is conditional until they pay the dues. 29% of the referrals are from members. We have 431 members in total. Alec discussed the possibility of cutting software costs and removing the copier and paying Path for the use of theirs. Ray suggested Alec check on the cost of terminating the copier lease early to determine the best path forward.

Alec discussed 3 types of goals. 1) Crucial – improving event attendance by 10% and developing an ambassador program. 2) Aspirational – advocating for key businesses and issues, building strategic relationships with elected officials. 3) New goals - professional development for Benjamin. Alec will update the board quarterly on goals.

Alec discussed how partners can use Chamber Master to maximize their investment. He is willing to show people how to use it.

Lorna – EDLA

The year’s theme emphasizes the value of economic development for small businesses and entrepreneurs. 4/22 is Hill Day scheduled at the Sycamore Room at Fauquier Hospital. The Trades Fair has been postponed until next year. The committee is planning for an economic summit panel for the first or second week of September. Lorna and Doug will be meeting with the Community Investment Collaborative to explore potential partnerships.Doug Update – There are still more water taps available in Marshall. 2 out of 3 larger properties are under contract – one small business and one has the potential for more jobs. There is a possibility of increasing water taps up Whiting Road to Route 50. Catlett is not pursuing a data center. Mayor Polk of Remington wants a Dollar General to help meet grocery needs.
Fauquier Businesses are doing well but continue to face challenges finding qualified employees. Community Development and Doug’s department are looking at changes to the building code. Ike Broadus is working on a co-worker space at 70 Main St. but it is not open yet.

Ray Knott – Events – Valor is 4/23 at Laurel Ridge Community College. Still working on nominations and sponsorships. Fall Festival Committee is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 4. The Town of Warrenton can not confirm until 6 months out. There will be no Farmer’s Market this year so there is the possibility of adding additional booths. The Annual Meeting and Gala is scheduled for 11/13 and Airlie. They have confirmed that they will provide similar support as last year. WBC events have been scheduled for Stonewall Golf Club, the first is scheduled for 3/18. Young Professionals is going well and will continue to have 1st Friday Luncheons.

Old Business - Chamber Committee notes need to be tweaked and everyone is asked for input. Priscilla and Dawn will be meeting to finalize notes for last year’s strategic planning session and bring them back to the board.

New Business – Board members were encouraged to nominate a board member to replace Al Penska. Rebecca invited everyone to the Fauquier Health 100th Anniversary celebration.

Meeting Adjourned – Motion made and approved.

Fauquier Chamber of Commerce
Board Meeting
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Location – Path Foundation and via zoom

Present: Dawn Arruda, Lorna Magill, Rebecca Segal, Caitlyn Atkins, Alec Burnett, Benjamin Musser, Gloria Williams, Kenny Johnson, Renee Norden, Angie Thomas, Dave Couk, and Doug Parsons. Ray Knott and Caroline Wood attended via zoom.

Call to order at 8:30am by Dawn Arruda, Past-Chair, who had a quorum present. Benjamin took roll call. Minutes from the previous meeting were approved.

Alec – Management Updates

13 new applications, 5 or 6 were member referrals. Motion made and all members approved. There is a net total of $3,020.00 from these members. Currently there are 442 active members. We have a retention rate of 80%.
Software costs are going up slightly. Alec asked Path about entering into an agreement to use their copier. First needs to check w/ MP Copiers about breaking the lease.
Vint Hill Leadshare will have an initial meeting on April 11.
There needs to be a plan for the Ambassador Program before it is implemented.
Alec & Benjamin will be attending the annual Virginia Chamber of Commerce Conference in Staunton, VA.

Rebecca – Financial Report – Finances are looking good. We are beating budget when it comes to new members. Partnerships are not on budget. $60,842 has been brought in this year vs. $31,000 last year. Actual budget projection was $71,000. Expenses are up due to additional salary. Net we are at $18,000 this year vs. $5000 last year.
Rebecca requested a budget amendment to reflect 3% increase for Alec’s salary. The budget will be corrected.

Motion made to accept the financials – approved.

Lorna – EDLA

Legislative Affairs Hill Day is scheduled for April 22.

Doug Update – An importing/exporting seminar is being considered. Alec has a “Stamp of Origination” which is required for these businesses.
There are a lot of small business prospects considering Fauquier. Lauren Kruck will be doing “Fall into Fauquier” Business spotlights. 3 of the 4 large industrial zoned properties are under contract. There’s still a possibility of having the Army Corp of Engineers Stables come to Fauquier but there have been setbacks due to funding approvals.
Fauquier County is going through the budget process now. Looks like Real Estate taxes will go up. We have a higher rate of real estate taxes compared to surrounding counties. Rebecca suggested we may want to develop charts with bullet points that could be used to educate the public.

Ray Knott – Events – Valor is 4/23 at Laurel Ridge Community College. There is an increase in honorees, so we need more sponsors. Fall Festival is working on getting volunteers. The Annual Meeting and Gala is scheduled for 11/13 and Airlie. Airlie has agreed to offer comparable prices as last year including offering an open bar. Village Flowers has agreed to do the centerpieces. Young professionals will be seeking sponsorships with a goal of $3000.

Old Business - Strategic Plan will be reviewed by the EC and brought before the board next month to approve. Committee guidelines have been posted on the website and will be voted on next meeting.

New Business – Leadshare accounting will be coming back to the Chamber vs. each individual group. They will be encouraged to spend dues money to promote each group and the Chamber.

Meeting Adjourned – Motion made and approved.

Fauquier Chamber of Commerce
Board Meeting
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Location – Path Foundation and via zoom

Present: Alec Burnett, Benjamin Musser, Gloria Williams, Caroline Wood, Renee Norden, Angie Thomas, Caitlyn Adkins, and Doug Parsons.
Priscilla Hottle, Ray Knott, Lorna Macgill, Rebecca Segal, and Dave Couk attended via zoom.

Call to order at 8:30am by Priscilla Hottle, who had a quorum present. Benjamin took roll call. Minutes from the previous meeting were approved.

Management Updates

Benjamin – Young Professionals first Friday lunch went well, and they are preparing for the 1st quarterly craft connections. Membership Engagement committee met and will move forward with meetings on the first Monday of the month at 4:00pm. The focus will be on recruiting and retention. They are working on a strategic plan. Dave is asking for input.
EDLA postponed the 4/22 Hill Day and is looking for a date in late May. They are looking towards having an import/export session in June and possibly involve other Chambers. Ray has a contact w/ SBA re: Capital funding and suggested that someone from the SBA be included. Pheonix Global Shipping is a new member and want to get involved with this project.
Alec - 10 new applications, 31% were member referrals. The goal is to get 40% referral from members. We are $815 ahead of goal for new members. There are no new investing partners. 12% increase in software costs vs. goal of a 20% reduction. Motion made and all members approved.
Vint Hill Leadshare had their first meeting on April 11. They will be meeting bi-weekly.
Benjamin had his review and went well.
Town of Warrenton is working on their budget. The current proposal does not include membership in the Fauquier Chamber. There is a public hearing on May 13 and it will be voted on in June.

Rebecca – Financial Report – Membership income is up by 62% which is above budget projections. Partnership income is below the proposed budget by $27,000. Events are doing well. $91,372 this year vs. $54,383 last year. Events are slightly below budget which was $106,000. We need clarification on the budget numbers from Marsha Stumpo, Chamber bookkeeper.

Motion made to accept the financials – approved.

Ray Knott – Events – Valor Awards is on budget. Fall Festival application is going to be submitted. There have been a lot of early requests for booth space. The Annual Meeting and Gala Committee meeting will take place later in the month. WBC had approximately 60 in attendance at their last luncheon. The next one is scheduled for 6/17/25 and will have a presentation on the Power of Writing .

Doug Parsons – EDLA

Doug is working w/ Alec on an International Trade program. Alec will be speaking with a group at “Export University”. Greg Cradock of the Patriot Group is planning a job fair as he picked up a new Federal contract.

Potential new businesses – 1 large business in Marshall, 1 large business in Remington. 2 potential data sites in Remington.

Chris Butler, former County Supervisor who was instrumental in the development of the Opal Water Project, has been hired as an Assistant County Administrator.

$60,000 in grants are being offered for façade improvements in towns. So far there have been 13 requests from Warrenton, Reminton, and The Plains for a total of $73,000. There are also Tech and Tourism grants for up to $2000.

Old Business

Committee Guidelines are on the Board Page. Motion made to approve as submitted. Committee Guidelines were approved.

New Business – Certificate of Origin should be put on the Chamber website. Forms need to be drafted. Rebecca suggested making a Facebook video to feature this fact.

Event refund policy to be put in place to clarify to attendees. 8 days’ notice required to get a refund for Chamber and WBC luncheons as venues require a commitment.

Meeting Adjourned – Motion made and approved.

Fauquier Chamber of Commerce
Board Meeting
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Location – Path Foundation and via zoom

Present: Priscilla Hottle, Renee Norden, Kenny Johnson, Caroline Wood, Alec Burnett, and
Benjamin Musser.
Via Zoom – Gloria Williams, Ray Knott, Caitlin Atkins, Lorna Magill.

Call to order at 8:30am by Priscilla Hottle, who had a quorum present. Benjamin took a roll call.
Minutes from the previous meeting were approved.

Management Updates - Alec
3 new member applications – all were approved. 11 deactivated members. Alec will reach
out directly to McClanahan Camera & Sound. New income - $849.00. Value of deactivated
members $2737.00. Total number of Chamber members – 434. No new member referrals and
no new Investing Partners.

Event Me Software expense moved to Fall Festival in the budget as that is the only event
using it.

Vint Hill Leadshare is meeting bi-weekly. Right now, it is only open to businesses located
in Vint Hill. If there is still space available,

The next Ambassador Committee meeting will be on June 2, and they are still looking for
members.

More businesses have signed up for e-renewal

Financial Report – Ray We are 38.4% above budget on dues. Better than anticipated. Valor
Awards income is down but not all of the income has been added so it is expected to catch up.
So far $5,000 of sponsorship income will be allocated to the Gala. Event income is 25% above
budget. Partnership income is below budget. As of May the total net income is $7608.63.
Motion made to accept the financials – approved.

Events – Ray – Valor Awards was very successful. Fall Festival is getting ramped up. There are a
large number on the waiting list for booths. Alec anticipates an influx of revenue by next week.
The first meeting of the Gala committee will be next week. The budget is the same as last year.
Minute taking resumed by Benjamin Musser

Women's Business Council – Benjamin expressed that he had been communicating with Sarah
Irving but that he still needed the details for the upcoming June 17th luncheon in order to begin
promoting the event.

Young Professionals - Benjamin provided an update on the Young Professionals Council noting
that he didn’t have anything to report outside of the ordinary. The Young Professionals had their
Quarterly Crafted Connections in May at the TopGolf Swing Suite at Harry’s at Airlie and the
feedback has been positive. The Young Professionals will continue with their monthly luncheons
and will also be looking at raising more sponsorship dollars. The goal of the committee is to grow
its membership to include business owners and/or employee representatives. Benjamin shared
that the age range for Young Professionals is 18-45. The council has a Chair, Vice Chair, and
Secretary. Additional roles could be a venue liaison or a social media manager. Council meetings
are held on the first Friday of the month at 11:00 AM at the predetermined venue of the First
Friday Luncheons. Priscilla said she may have a prospective council member for Young
Professionals.

Member Engagement – Renee Norden expressed excitement and that the committee will take a
proactive approach to contacting members well in advance of their renewals to collect feedback
and invite them to events to keep them engaged

Update on Strategic Plan – The Board scheduled their annual strategic meeting for Thursday,
October 30th at Airlie at 2:00 PM.

New Business – No new business.

Meeting Adjourned – Motion made and approved.

Fauquier Chamber of Commerce
Board Meeting
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Location – Path Foundation and via zoom

Present: Priscilla Hottle, Gloria Williams, Doug Parsons, Renee Norden, Dave Couk, Alec Burnett, and Benjamin Musser.
Via Zoom – Kenny Johnson, Rebecca Segal, Lorna Magill, and Caroline Wood.

Call to order at 8:30am by Priscilla Hottle, who had a quorum present. Benjamin took a roll call. Minutes from the previous meeting were approved.

Management Updates - Alec

9 new member applications – all were approved. 1 reactivated and 10 deactivated members. 36% of new members were referred by current ones. Value of deactivated members - $1866.00, Reactivated members + $1,300.00, New Members + $2,547.00. Net - +$1,981.00. Total number of Chamber members – 425. 1 new Investing Partner – Marshall Consulting Group.
Alec thinks that Bank of Clark will be signing up as an Investing Partner. He was contacted by Virginia Cancer Specialists and will be meeting with them soon.

Financial Report – Rebecca

Membership income is up $52,870.00 over last year. Valor Awards income is down but not all payments have been applied. Festival income is down, but expected to exceed last year. EventMe software costs ($2,000) will be expensed to the Fall Festival. $5,000 in Partnership income will be applied to the Gala.

Net operating income up - $7,526.60. Net income down - $8,509.72.

Motion made to accept the financials – approved.

Events – Rebecca noted that the total events income to date is $109,041.77, which is a 36.53% increase over last year. WBC had a luncheon with a presentation on writing effectively. Approximately 40 attendees. The Young Professionals Group needs to find a new direction.

EDLA – Lorna

The international trade seminar has been postponed. The Economic Summit will be held in the Fall. Consideration is being given to combining the import/export seminar with the Economic Summit because of low registrations.

Alec informed the board of a “coalition” of NOVA Chambers that will be sharing information on virtual events that everyone can participate in.

Doug – almost all prospects for potential business interested in coming to Fauquier are from Prince William or Loudoun. These companies would offer good jobs for the Alice population in our county. Community Development is working with Berkley Group to examine Fauquier Zoning Codes. The amount of time it takes to go through the rezoning process is way too long.

RFP’s are out to convert the Warren Green Building into a boutique hotel.

The member engagement committee is working on a specific strategy to proceed. They will be looking at previous policies and procedures.

Old Business – none.

New Business – none.

Meeting Adjourned – Motion made and approved.