Business Today
Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce member enterprise news log
Thursday, November 29, 2007
JABA Facility Receives 2007 Virginia Housing Award
JABA, the non-profit agency that cares for the aging and intergenerational families, has been awarded Virginia's 2007 "Best Housing Program or Service" Award for its Mountainside Senior Living facility located in Crozet. The award was officially presented by Virginia Governor Tim Kaine to JABA Trustee Rick Richmond at a special luncheon reception on November 15, during the Governor's Housing Conference in Roanoke.
Mountainside Senior Living is an assisted living care facility operated by JABA. The facility was purchased in 2001 by Stonehaus Development and JABA in response to the imminent bankruptcy of its former owner.
"Permitting the closing of Mountainside would have left over 140 low to moderate income seniors in the area without a home," states Gordon Walker, JABA's CEO.
Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development spokesperson Shea Hollifield said a team of housing professionals from two state agencies evaluated all nominations and believed that the service program at JABA's Mountainside Senior Living facility "demonstrated innovative and creative efforts" in providing services or assistance to citizens in need of help in meeting their housing needs.
The saga of Mountainside Senior Living's preservation by JABA is a "classic example of an area agency on aging recognizing a community need, marshalling the resources to meet it, and stretching its charter to serve those in need, rather than operating comfortably within the agency's current capabilities," according to Walker.
In its effort to rescue Mountainside from closing, JABA pulled together a consortium of funding sources including local government grants, local businesses, individual donations, and contributions of services-in- kind including timely assistance from Sunrise Senior Living. Today, Mountainside provides homes for 103 residents-about 55% are auxiliary grant recipients with incomes of less than $13,000 per year, while 45% are private pay residents at below market rate. The facility is the second largest employer in Crozet, a Virginia town of about 3,500. While 90% of the residents are now from Charlottesville and Albemarle County, less than half were local citizens under the former ownership.
For more than 30 years, JABA has been committed to adding dignity, security, independence, and fulfillment to the lives of older adults and their families. The rescue and operation of Mountainside Senior Living facility is just one example of how JABA's guiding principles are enriching the lives of many people across socio-economic lines.
Introducing generations 102.3 & 94.1
When they entered the Charlottesville market just weeks ago, they promised to provide the market with the products listeners want and to invest in the stations purchased. Owners were serious about their commitment and generations 102.3 & 94.1 is yet more proof.
Generations has taken to heart the recent market-specific research and national research by the National Association of Broadcasters and Radio Advertising Bureau that strongly indicated that today's audience wants more diversity in music formats and less "corporate" radio. Many Charlottesville area residents said that even though we live in a disposable world the great music still lives on, and they want to hear it. The music that transcends all generations is the music of generations 102.3 & 94.1.
Generations is a fresh look at "era based" programming incorporating the best music of the 70's along with "evergreen" songs from the 60's and compatible songs from the 80's. The new generations 102.3 & 94.1 can be heard on 102.3 FM and 94.1 FM. Generations 102.3 & 94.1 listeners will hear the Eagles, Marvin Gaye, Elton John, Doobie Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Journey, Beatles, Chicago and the Rolling Stones along with some Carole King, 10cc, Raspberries, Spinners, Moody Blues and a whole lot more.
For those of you who don't know, Generations is a part of Monticello Media, the little private, Charlottesville-based company that closed on the purchase of the six Charlottesville Clear Channel radio stations on October 4, 2007. They don't own any other radio stations in any other markets and they don't have to answer to Wall Street; they only answer to you. In the month since Monticello Media closed on the purchase of the local stations, it has introduced the new generations 102.3 & 94.1, the new Tom @ 107.5 and added a live, local morning show to NewsTalk 1260AM WCHV. We also are very proud to have Country 99.7/WCYK, Hot 101.9/WHTE and SportsRadio 1400 WKAV.
Michael Hawkins Joins WVPT as Corporate Support Rep
Michael Hawkins of Broadway, Virginia, was recently named Corporate Support Representative for WVPT- Virginia's Public Television covering the Shenandoah Valley.
A Virginia Tech Business Management graduate and native of the Shenandoah Valley, Hawkins worked in retail management in Harrisonburg and Staunton for six years, focusing on retail sales, inventory control, employee management, customer service and advertising. For the past 15 years he has worked for Folder Factory, Inc. in a variety of positions, including customer service, sales, order processing and most recently as Purchasing Manager. In this position, he was responsible for materials purchasing, vendor relations and out sourcing.
Over the years, Hawkins has been recognized numerous times for his management experience, cost control measures, sales acumen and customer relations. His business experience, coupled with his appreciation of the Shenandoah Valley and its rich history, will enhance his relationship with and service to the local business community.
In his position at WVPT, his responsibilities include securing underwriting and sponsorship for WVPT's local programming and community service projects, as well as national programming provided through PBS.
WHTJ's First Book Program Receives Funding from Junior League of Charlottesville
WHTJ Charlottesville PBS received a $1,000 grant from The Junior League of Charlottesville to support the station's First Book literacy program.
WHTJ's First Book program partners with local mentoring, tutoring and after school programs to provide books at no cost to local children from low-income families. In many cases, these books are the beginning of a home library for local underprivileged children, and the beginning of an empowered life of literacy.
This is the seventh consecutive year that WHTJ Charlottesville PBS has joined with the national First Book organization to offer underprivileged children in the region the chance to own their very own first books, free of charge.
Part of WHTJ's mission is to promote education, and by participating in programs like First Book, WHTJ supports literacy and a life-long love of reading among our area's youngsters. Last year, WHTJ delivered books to children in programs headquartered in Orange County, Charlottesville City, Albemarle County, Nelson County, and Fluvanna County, and throughout Central Virginia.
Thanks to the support of many generous sponsors, the First Book program is thriving again this year, with plans to distribute almost 12,000 books to more than 1,300 local underprivleged children. One particularly generous sponsor, The McNichols Family Foundation, has issued a matching funds challenge for the program. The Foundation will match contributions made to WHTJ's First Book program dollar-for-dollar if received by December 31.
If you or your business is interested in supporting First Book, please contact Rachael Kesler at 295-7671 or rkesler@whtj.org.
WHTJ Charlottesville PBS (channel 41, cable 7), whose studio and offices are located on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall, is the PBS member- station licensed by the FCC to serve Charlottesville and the surrounding counties. WHTJ is Charlottesville's Community Idea Station, using the power of media to educate, entertain and inspire. (www.whtj.org)
Watergate Village Adds Barista on Demand to Menu
Annapolis Maryland's beautiful Watergate Village apartments have selected Barista on Demand to provide complimentary fresh ground rainforest alliance certified coffee and gourmet beverages to residents, staff and guests.
"Partnering with Barista on Demand makes perfect sense for us," states Susan Haas, VP, Bernstein Management, owner of Watergate Village. "This is a conscious choice to partner with a local company whose products are outstanding, sustainability practices are very compelling, and whose goals fit with our own, both in terms of customer satisfaction while reducing waste and energy use."
Barista on Demand has made sustainability a core part of their business, from their well-established Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee purchasing and their local roasting operations that help support coffee farmers and their communities through direct payments to growers.
"Being chosen as the coffee provider for the newly renovated Watergate Village is an honor," says Dennis Tracz, CEO & Founder of Barista on Demand, LLC. "We look forward to working with Susan and the Bernstein Management team. The beautiful Watergate Village community is one of the first communities in the country to offer complimentary lattes, cappuccino and gourmet beverages with Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee."
Barista on Demand, LLC is a Charlottesville, VA- based sustainable coffee service company. Since 2006, they have provided coffee and gourmet specialty drinks through public and private businesses and institutions. Their sustainability platform includes their Rainforest Alliance Certified Seed to Cup program, which provides direct payments to coffee growers, and the Metro area's first biodegradable ecotainer.
For more information, please contact Dennis Tracz, (434) 531-9192, dtracz@baristaondemand.com or visit www.baristaondemand.com
Friday, November 16, 2007
Yancey Elementary School Program Receives Grant
Yancey Elementary School and St. John the Baptist of the Woods Foundation has received a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant worth more than $163,000 a year for three years.
This funding will allow the Yancey Elementary after©\school program, Club Yancey, to expand into the summer and continue providing after school academic enrichment and homework support during the school year.
Along with the long©\standing partnership with the St. John the Baptist of the Woods Foundation, Yancey Elementary partnered with the Albemarle County Sheriff's Office, Albemarle©\Charlottesville Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension, and the Albemarle County Parks & Recreation Department to apply for this grant. Each of these community partners will provide expanded enrichment offerings.
Club Yancey also is a recent recipient of a First Book grant from WHTJ worth $2,190, which provides each student with a book to take home every month to help build a personal library.
DelFosse Chardonnay Scores Big
DelFosse Vineyards Chardonnay 2005 Reserve Chardonnay earned a score of 93 and finished 2nd overall in a national tasting dominated by California estates including Cosentino, Grgich, Rodney Strong and O'Brien.
The Beverage Testing Institute's (BTI) 2007 World Wine Championships judged the Chardonnay as "exceptional," awarding it a score of 93.
"This is the finest example we have seen of Virginia Chardonnay," said BTI Director Jerald O'Kennard. "It shows the region is an area that deserves attention from connoisseurs and consumers."
The DelFosse Reserve Chardonnay score of 93 is the highest ever recorded for a Virginia wine and the second highest Chardonnay score of the nearly one thousand wines evaluated in the last four years according to BTI's extensive tasting database.
The 2005 DelFosse Reserve Chardonnay benefits from 11 months of aging in French oak barrels. This rich estate grown wine features nice toast aromas with nutty vanilla and a touch of baked apple. Great balance and structure provides nice length and a memorable finish.
Claude DelFosse, Founder of DelFosse Vineyard and Winery said, "I am thrilled to see Virginia receiving accolades as a leading wine region. Working a stone's throw from the home of 'the father of American wine,' Thomas Jefferson, all of us at DelFosse are dedicated to grow world class wines right here in Nelson County."
DelFosse Winery is nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Faber, Virginia. With nearly 20 acres of terraced vineyards on the estate, DelFosse Vineyards and Winery is one of the most picturesque sites in the Monticello AVA. The winery and tasting room are open for visitors and tastings Wednesday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information, visit their website www.delfossewine.com or call 434-293- 6100.
Plato's Closet Celebrates Opening
Tamara Ryan will celebrate the opening of her new small business, Plato's Closet, with a funding ceremony and an oversized check presentation. Plato's Closet, Minneapolis-based franchise, offers gently used brand name apparel and accessories to teens and young adults.
Tamara Ryan and Icheban Corporation recently received a $150,000 loan for startup costs from SonaBank with an SBA guarantee under the SBA 7(a) Loan Program. This financing not only helped bring a new business to the Charlottesville area, but will create up to 12 new jobs over the next two years.
The celebration will take place November 29, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Plato's Closet, 1836 Rio Hill Shopping Center, Charlottesville, Va. 22901. Speakers will include Mary Loose DeViney, Chairman, Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce, Ron Bew, SBA District Director for Virginia, Jennifer Cubitt, Vice President, SonaBank and Tamara Ryan of Icheban Corporation, T/A Plato's Closet.
The 7(a) Program is SBA's primary lending program. It provides loan guaranties for small businesses unable to secure financing on reasonable terms through normal lending channels. The program operates through private-sector lenders who provide loans which are, in turn, guaranteed by the SBA. A maximum loan amount of $2 million has been established for 7(a) loans.
However, the maximum dollar amount of the SBA guaranty is generally $1.5 million. The eligibility requirements are designed to be as broad as possible in order that this lending program can accommodate the most diverse variety of small business financing needs. The SBA was chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1953 to leverage capital access and to provide counseling and business assistance for America's entrepreneurs.
Since its founding more than a half- century ago, the U.S. Small Business Administration has delivered about 24 million loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses. For more information about the SBA online, go to www.sba.gov/va or contact the Richmond District Office at (804) 771-2400.
New JABA Service Enables Elderly to Age-in- Place
While common sense and research studies indicate that most long-time residents prefer to "age-in-place" rather than being shuttled about between relatives and elder care facilities, the sad fact of life for many seniors is that there eventually comes a time when they no longer can tend to routine responsibilities and domestic dilemmas.
A new JABA program, My Home for Life, will take away much of the worry when older people want to "stay put." A single phone call to My Home for Life conveniently connects the elderly or their families with experienced care takers and service providers whom they can trust.
All contractors have been evaluated, licensed, bonded, and insured. Screened and overseen by JABA, they undergo thorough background checks and must meet rigorous, pre-determined and ongoing service standards, including rapid response time.
Services coordinated and available through My Home for Life now include in-home health care; transportation; yard work; home office assistance; medical house calls; relocation; pet grooming, walking, and pet sitting; traveling veterinarians; financial advisors specializing in senior needs; errands; grocery visits; and other essential chores.
"Nobody wants to leave their residence because home maintenance, transportation, health care, or other essential services require that they rely on strangers for their well being," maintains JABA CEO Gordon Walker. "Because JABA cares about enabling the elderly to maintain their independence, the organization has partnered with the most reputable and trustworthy service providers in the area to ensure safety and peace of mind for their older clients."
One telephone call is all it takes to make arrangements for dispatching qualified, senior- sensitive contractors and service providers. A minimal monthly subscription is all it takes to be part of JABA's My Home for Life program.
"We believe in providing seniors with services they need and can afford, while recycling our revenues to support those who are less fortunate," added Walker. "Every dollar earned from this and every JABA venture is a dollar we will use to help others in our community."
To enroll in My Home for Life or request more information, call 434-977-6435. E-mail: info@MyHomeforLife.og. On the Web at www.MyHomeforLife.org.
For the past 30 years, JABA has added dignity, security, independence, and fulfillment to the lives of older adults and their families. My Home for Life is just one of the special programs that demonstrates how JABA's guiding principles are improving the lives of elderly people across intergenerational lines.
National College Health Care Ambassador Speaks at CATEC
National College Charlottesville Campus Health Care Instructor Lewis Crowder (left) was recently invited to speak to CATECs (Charlottesville Albemarle Technical Education Center) Nurse Aide classes.
During each class, which are comprised of juniors and seniors from all the local high schools interested in a medical career, Lewis spoke on the subject of Anatomy and Physiology. Students sat and listened attentively while he spoke eloquently on this subject as well as about his medical career that spans more than 50 years.
In the spring of this year, Kisha Woodson (right), Nurse Aide class instructor and former student of Lewis, and her students will visit the campus for a tour of the medical labs and learn about the healthcare programs offered at National College. The campus looks forward to hosting their visit.
Mountain Lumber Rescues Historic Guinness Brewery Wood for European Cooper's Oak Flooring
(Ruckersville) The quality, tradition and history that have made Guinness a favorite with beer drinkers is now available in flooring created from planks salvaged from centuries-old oak Guinness brewery vats.
Mountain Lumber has acquired an exclusive and limited supply of wood planks originally used in Guinness Brewing vats at the company's St. James' Gate brewery in Dublin, Ireland. More than 25,000 board feet of English Brown Oak which will be milled into pre-finished European Cooper's Oak Flooring. An earlier offering of Cooper's Oak Flooring in 2003 proved extremely popular, with the entire stock being claimed in pre-sale ordering.
Mountain Lumber began taking orders for this most recent batch of European Cooper's Oak in November 2007. The flooring is the ultimate souvenir for Guinness aficionados and history buffs. It is beautifully preserved and exceptionally durable.
According to Guinness history, coopers from Dublin's Cooper Society were hired to build gargantuan wooden vats, or casks, for the brewery. Each vat was capable of holding about 722,600 pints of stout.
Brown Oak was chosen for the vats because it had the strength and grain to handle the stress of the brewery trade. Coopers strengthened knots in the wood by tapping tiny hand-carved wedges into them.
In the 1940s, Guinness converted the brewery to a sterile plant and wooden vats were replaced with easier-to-maintain metal vats. Some of the wooden vats were dismantled, some were used for making furniture while others were abandoned or marked for demolition.
Willie Drake, Mountain Lumber's owner and buyer, uncovered this little-known treasure while on a cider vat expedition in England. He traveled to Dublin to hand select many of the long, curved planks from the wooden vats. The wood was shipped to Mountain Lumber's facilities in Ruckersville, Virginia, kiln dried and re-milled to become European Cooper's Oak.
As part of the transformation process, Mountain Lumber's craftsmen were careful to save many details that show the wood's history. They skillfully sanded the planks, preserving the wedges in the knots and retaining accents left by iron bands that once wrapped the massive vats. The warm-colored oak flooring ranges in hues from golden brown to dark brown.
For Drake and the other experts at Mountain Lumber, preserving the history of wood is as important as the environmental reasons for reclaiming it. Drake founded Mountain Lumber in 1974 to recycle cut wood for new uses. Over the last 34 years his company has rescued more than 20 million board feet of pine and other woods, saving them from demolition landfills and adding character to their new destinations. These days, Drake travels the world in search of old and ancient wood.
Mountain Lumber has collected wood from factories, mills, warehouses, barns, piers, cider vats and other structures slated for demolition. The company specializes in reclaiming original- growth heart pine, also called longleaf pine, or pinus palustris.
Wood recovered by Mountain Lumber has been used in the restoration of major historic sites, including Mount Vernon, home of George Washington; Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson; and Blair House, which is the official guest residence for the President of the United States. The company's flooring is also used in hotels, retail establishments such as Barney's New York and personal residences across the country and abroad.
Every Mountain Lumber customer receives an illustrated history of the wood used in his or her flooring in keeping with the company's motto ¨Where Every Floor Has a Story to Tell."
Mountain Lumber is one of the nation's leading wood reclamation companies, harvesting old wood from factories, mills and homes across the world for flooring and other new uses. For more information, go to www.mountainlumber.com.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Monticello VP to Leave for Position in Montana
Thomas Jefferson Foundation Vice President Kat Imhoff will leave Monticello on Jan. 31, 2008, to become executive director of The Nature Conservancy in Montana.
Imhoff, a resident of Albemarle County, was appointed Monticello's chief operations officer in February 2000 and was named a vice president in 2005. Prior to joining the Monticello staff, she was executive director of the Preservation Alliance of Virginia.
During her time at Monticello, Imhoff has played a leadership role in a number of major initiatives, including directing the planning and ongoing construction of the Thomas Jefferson Visitors Center and Smith History Center, organizing Monticello's observance of the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and coordinating the placement of more than 1,300 acres of Foundation property under protective easements. She also has represented Monticello on boards of a variety of local, state and national organizations, several of which she has chaired.
"We will miss Kat's energy, vision, creativity and team spirit, and we will remember her as a caring colleague and dedicated professional," said Thomas Jefferson Foundation President Daniel P. Jordan. "She leaves with our gratitude and very best wishes."
The Nature Conservancy is a non-profit conservation organization that conserves critical habitats for plants, animals and natural communities. The Montana chapter, based in Helena, has community-based programs around the state. It has worked with landowners since 1979 to conserve more than 530,000 acres of land in Montana.
McClung Hires Technology Coordinator
(Waynesboro) McClung Companies recently announced that David Schullery has been hired as business and technology coordinator.
Schullery brings with him more than 20 years of IT, systems analyst and management experience.
"As our industry relies more and more on technology, David will fill an important role for us and our clients," said Tom Trevillian, McClung CEO. "His experience will keep us focused on providing cutting edge service."
In addition to overseeing McClung's computers and network, Schullery has taken administrative leadership in financial analysis and office management.
For 60-plus years, the award-winning McClung Companies continues to serve the graphic communication needs of central and northern Virginia with the latest technology and with highly-skilled and motivated employee owners.
Taking Aim at Alzheimer's
Most car salesmen spend their Sunday afternoons in the showroom, but Joey Lockhart of Brown Honda will devote Sunday, November 18 to shooting 500 free throws and 500 three point shots at UVa's Slaughter Recreation Center.
Joey is making his 1,000 shot commitment in tribute to his maternal grandmother, Lilye Reynolds Saville, with the aim of raising funds to help combat the disease that claimed her life, Alzheimer's. Joey is asking for pledges for each shot or general donations with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer's Association of Central and Western Virginia.
His motivation for this personal fund raising effort dates back to his childhood, "As a little boy I spent a lot of time with my grandmother," says Joey. "I got more of my moral fiber from her than anyone else. Now, I'm 44 with four kids of my own, and it's time to give back."
Joey Lockhart's devotion to Lilye illustrates just how cruel Alzheimer's can be.
"My grandmother was an incredible person. She graduated from William and Mary back when finishing high school was an accomplishment, and she went on to have 10 children and 26 grandchildren," he said.
By all accounts, Lilye had a long and loving life, dying at 89, but as Joey explains, "The final six years she had Alzheimer's. The last year she couldn't even recognize my mother."
The pledge drive for "1,000 Shots for Lilye" officially begins on Lilye's birthday, October 31 - Halloween - but there's no trick attached to this treat.
"Joey's tribute to his grandmother is such a wonderful gesture," says Sue Friedman, President & CEO of the Alzheimer's Association's Central and Western Virginia Chapter. "It brings home the fact that Alzheimer's affects, not just the person with the disease, but everyone who loves or cares about that person. That personal connection makes home-grown efforts, such as Joey's, especially poignant, and we thank him."
Joey is quick to point out that he has help in his endeavor. "I particularly want to thank Mark Fletcher and George Fitch at U.Va.'s Slaughter Recreation Center. They have a lot going on there and I really appreciate the use of the space."
Pledge forms are available from Joey at Brown Honda, or at the Alzheimer's Association office on Hillsdale Drive in Charlottesville. Or you can donate online at www.alz.org/cwva.
Joey has also committed to a financial donation of his own. "If someone schedules an appointment with me during November or December and I sell them a car I will donate a portion of my commission in the customer's name to the Alzheimer's Association."
So, if you're near Slaughter Rec, 505 Edgemont Road in Charlottesville on November 18 between 9:30AM and 1:30PM, drop by and cheer Joey on. He'll be the guy in the purple (the official Alzheimer's Association color) shirt aiming at the basket, but thinking about Lilye. All proceeds will go directly to the Alzheimer's Association. Those wishing to contribute should make their checks payable to the "Alzheimer's Association".
For more information on "1,000 Shots for Lilye" please contact the Central & Western Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 674 Hillsdale Drive, Suite 1, Charlottesville, VA 22901, telephone: 434 973-6122 or online at www.alz.org/cwva.
For more than 25 years, there has been one resource you can count on in this region - the Alzheimer's Association of Central and Western Virginia, serving 37 counties, 16 cities, 17,573 square miles and a population of 1.6 million Virginians through five offices. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking and behavior. More than 42,000 citizens in Central and Western Virginia have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. One in 8 over the age of 65 can expect a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. One in two over the age of 85 will hear the diagnosis of Alzheimer's.
Boar's Head Inn Joins Historic Hotels of America Brand
Recently, Boar's Head Inn and over 200 other historic hotels join in a partnership of "historic" proportions. The National Trust for Historic Preservation and Preferred Hotel Group, Inc., has announced a long- term agreement to enhance the Historic Hotels of America brand of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Preferred Hotel Group will license Historic Hotels of America from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, managing it as a separate business unit. The partnership creates a strategic business relationship for Historic Hotels of America and adds a fifth brand and more than 200 new member hotels to Preferred's portfolio, which already represents more than 400 hotels and resorts in 65 countries around the world.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a non-profit membership organization providing leadership, education, advocacy and resources to people working together to save historic places in the United States.
"We're proud to be aligned with such an esteemed organization as the National Trust for Historic Preservation," commented John Ueberroth, Chairman & CEO of Preferred Hotel Group, a multi-brand corporation that delivers comprehensive sales, marketing, and distribution services to independent hotels and resorts worldwide. "Historic Hotels of America is a unique brand with great potential for growth, and we believe Preferred has the ideal infrastructure and resources to shepherd its expansion with the integrity it deserves."
"Our relationship with Preferred Hotel Group is good news for everyone involved," said Richard Moe, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "Historic Hotels of America will benefit from the increased visibility and value of its association with Preferred. This will mean expanded opportunities for consumers to experience these historic lodgings, which in turn should benefit Historic Hotels of America members and sustain their position as cultural landmarks and economic anchors in their communities."
In order to preserve the authenticity of the brand, Historic Hotels of America's standards will be maintained under clearly stated guidelines from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Executive Director Thierry Roch will continue to oversee operations and ensure brand continuity.
Historic Hotels of America includes more than 200 of the most historic lodgings in the United States, not to mention some of the most prestigious - the Waldorf-Astoria (New York, N.Y.), the Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island, Mich.), and our own Boar's Head Inn among them. To qualify, each must be at least 50 years old and conform to specific historic building and service criteria set by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Preferred Hotel Group is a global leader in the hospitality industry, delivering high-performance sales, marketing, and technology solutions to over 400 independent hotels and resorts in more than 65 countries. In addition to Historic Hotels of America, its family of brands represents a collection of the finest hotels in the world and includes Preferred Hotels & Resorts, (www.preferredhotels.com), Preferred Boutique (www.preferredboutique.com), Summit Hotels & Resorts (www.summithotels.com), and Sterling Hotels (www.sterlinghotels.com).
For more information please visit www.preferredhotelgroup.com. In fall 2007, the company entered the luxury real estate market with the launch of Preferred Residences. The new brand's exclusive luxury branded exchange provides an exceptional level of service and amenities. Properties are held to exacting standards derived from the same Preferred Global Standards of Excellence on which the company has built its 40- year reputation for uncompromising quality in the hospitality industry. For more information please visit www.preferredresidences.com.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a non- profit, non-governmental membership organization bringing people together to protect, improve and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where significant moments from history took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, six regional offices, 29 historic sites, and more than 270,000 members and partner organizations in all 50 states, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides national network of people, organizations and local communities that is committed to conservation, thereby connecting us to our past and collectively shaping our future. For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.
Formed in 1989, Historic Hotels of America is a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Historic Hotels has identified more than 200 hotels located in the U.S.A that have faithfully maintained their historic integrity, architecture and ambiance. To be selected for this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old, be listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, or be recognized as having historic significance. Historic Hotels of America is affiliated with Historic Hotels of Europe, a federation of 16 European hotel associations in 16 countries. It is also associated with Historic Hotels of Mexico, an association of hotels and restaurants located in buildings of historical and cultural significance including haciendas, palaces, monasteries, convents, fortresses, country estates. For more information please visit www.historichotels.org.
Boar's Head Inn, a 170-room AAA Four-Diamond resort set on 573 acres in the Virginia countryside, currently offers 13,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. With the completion of our new Pavilion opening in fall 2008, our total meeting space will exceed 22,000 square feet in 20 meeting rooms. Included will be two business centers and two ballrooms, one with 3,300 square feet, the other with 5,500 square feet. Enjoy gracious hospitality and dining in the only Virginia restaurant to receive a AAA Four-Diamond award for 21 consecutive years. In addition, guests can enjoy the sports club, tennis, championship golf, a luxurious spa, and children's programs. The resort is in close proximity to attractions such as Monticello, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and 21 outstanding local wineries. The Inn is owned and operated by the University of Virginia Foundation.
For more information or to make reservations, please call Boar's Head Inn at 434.972.2232 or 800.476.1988; or visit the resort's web site at www.boarsheadinn.com.
Hantzmon Wiebel Announces Staff Promotions
Hantzmon Wiebel is proud to announce three manager-level professional staff promotions: Edward Schmitz, CPA, has been promoted to the technical position of A&A Quality Control Manager.
Gerri Carr, CPA, has been promoted to Tax Department Manager.
Kenny Deane, CPA, has been promoted to A&A Manager. Mr. Deane is also a Certified QuickBooks Advisor.
Other promotions include: in the Tax Department: Charles Beckum, CPA, and Helene Downs, CPA, were promoted to Supervisor; Celia Lankford, CPA, was promoted to Supervising Senior, specializing in Trust and Estates work; Shannon Hofer, CPA, and Jim Hutcherson, CPA, were promoted to Senior Accountant; in the A&A Department, Travis Simpson, CPA, was promoted to Supervisor and Cathy James, CPA, was promoted to Senior Accountant.
The promotions were effective October 1st. All professional staff are members of both the America Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA).
Blue Ridge Café Unveils New Piedmont Ballroom
(Ruckersville) The Blue Ridge Café and Catering Company announced today that its new, renovated 2400-square-foot Piedmont Ballroom is now open and available for weddings, holiday parties, family and class reunions, alumni get-togethers and other events.
The project, which involved turning two smaller banquet rooms into a single ballroom, complete with a dance floor, has also gotten a face-lift, complete with new paint, new flooring, new seating and a separate entranceway. The room can seat 200 guests.
"The Piedmont Ballroom is ideal for any kind of private party, but especially weddings, because everyone can be seated and still see the bride and the wedding party," explained Chef Shawn B. Hayes, owner of the Blue Ridge Café and Catering Company. "The space is really beautiful and very functional for both large and intimate gatherings."
The new ballroom was completed just in time for the busy holiday party season. Those catering an on-site party in the Piedmont Ballroom can choose their dining selections from special menu packages, banquet packages and custom packages.
Established in 1995, the Blue Ridge Café and Catering Company is owned and operated by Chef Shawn B. Hayes, a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America who has worked at some of the East Coast's finest establishments, including Boston's Top of the Hub Restaurant and the Willard Intercontinental Hotel in Washington, D.C. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Greene County, Va., just north of Charlottesville, the Blue Ridge Café is an American grill with an international flair.
Blue Ridge Cafe is open seven days a week for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch and offer indoor and outdoor dining, a wide selection of Virginia wines and a full bar, as well as on- and off-premise catering services for any kind of event, ranging from simple office get-togethers to elegant wedding receptions.
For more information, please visit our Web site at www.blueridgecafe.com.
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