SFCC Newsletter / November 2020
Chairman's
Note
Casey Whitmarsh
SFCC Chair
Wow! Despite COVID-19 and all the restrictions that has meant over the last seven months, the Chamber had an exceptionally busy third quarter and so far, fourth quarter. As you will see in this newsletter, the Chamber has been out and about in the community participating and supporting at events where we can.
We’ve also continued offering community and member-specific webinars. The most recent ‘Medicare 101’ by SFCC member Mary Crispino of HealthMarkets. If you missed the discussion, see the link below. This coming month, we take a look at distance learning and the effect it is having business owners. I urge you to join the Town Hall discussion. Look for the link below.
If you have an idea for a webinar or would like to present on a topic, please reach out. We are trying to host monthly discussions on topics of concern to our members, as well as the community at-large. We are always open to ideas and suggestions!
November is a month for gratitude and as your new Chamber Chair, I am extremely grateful for your support of the Chamber. Member involvement has led to a larger community presence as well as a virtual presence. We’ve instituted some major changes this year – the Premier Technology & Marketing Program (30% discount for current members ends next month!) and our new Sustaining Membership offerings. In addition to our regular webinars, we’ve stepped up our social media to better promote the Chamber and you, our members. I urge you to check out our new website where all of these upgrades are highlighted.
I am also grateful for the SFCC Board who volunteers their time to help us reach our goals. It hasn’t been easy this year, but they have not let the ups and downs of 2020 stop our forward progress.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone,
Casey Whitmarsh
SFCC Chair
casey.whitmarsh.yav9@statefarm.com
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Join us as the SFCC hosts a
Distance Learning Town Hall
How has Distance Learning impacted local business?
Distance learning has certainly presented challenges for educators, students, and their families. Business owners and other entrepreneurs have had to work around having their kids at home. The Town Hall will cover the latest updates from Fairfax County Public Schools and feature a discussion on the challenges faced by students, working parents and business owners.
Panelists include Fairfax County School Board member Karen Corbett Sanders; South County Principal Gary Morris; Stephanie J. Smith, Partner/Family Law Attorney Cooper Ginsberg Gray PLLC, and Marie Repczynksi, South County HS Student Body President.
Join Us Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 7pm
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l-r Tom Reczynski, Joe English, Ron Kowalski, Don Brideau
SFCC Stallion Support!
Current and former South Fairfax Chamber Board members came together to support the South County Athletic Boosters annual Golf Tournament at Laurel Hill. Board members and officers Tom Repczynski of Offit Kurman and Joe English of Burdette Smith & Bish, LLC hit the links with Dr. Don Brideau of Inova and Ron Kowalski of the Ron Kowalski Real Estate Group. #StallionNation
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The South County PTSO is attempting to make lemonade (or least some good egg nog!) out of the lemons of 2020. The Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show held annually at the high school each December attracts more than 2,300 people and raises money for that year's graduating class. Many of our SFCC members are parents of South County grads and know first hand through generous volunteering (Tom Repczynski) that this holiday event is a staple in the Lorton community.
With school grounds closed for fundraising events, the Lorton Holiday Extravaganza Committee has had to get creative. An Online MarketPlace featuring hundreds of locally made items is now open! Please consider supporting these local businesses/artists and the SCHS Class of 2021 as you do your holiday shopping! New items will be added every day!
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The SFCC at the 5th Annual Tour de Mount Vernon
l-r SFCC Board members Casey Whitmarsh (Chair), Barbara Redmon, Terry Head
SFCC Board Members had a great time at 5th Annual Tour de Mount Vernon! More than 250 riders started at the Workhouse and could choose between a 40-mile course or a 25-mile course. The SFCC sponsored a water station for the race. This gorgeous fall day provided a great opportunity to get out of the house, away from your desk or business, and show community support from the Chamber.
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Switching to a Sustaining Membership may be the help you need!
Use the internet to your advantage and increase your social media presence. How is this done? A Sustaining Membership comes with your own Virtual SFCC Member Assistant to help you to achieve improved online visibility with an updated, state-of-the-art landing page.
With a Sustaining Membership you keep all the benefits of your current Lifetime/Legacy membership but have the added benefits of assistance with Social Media marketing that you normally would have to hire outside. This membership also includes the PTMP - Premier Techology & Marketing Program at no additional cost!
For more information on the new Sustaining Membership program, click here or contact SFCC Asst. Executive Director Carla Olivo colivo@southfairfaxchamber.org.
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If you have a special deal/sale/coupon or special event scheduled for your business or organization on
Small Business Saturday Nov 28,
email Asst. Executive Director Carla Olivo colivo@southfairfaxchamber.org
to have the details posted on our website and social media.
If you missed the discussion on Medicare 101, Watch It Here!
If you are 65 or older or are a younger person with disabilities, you might be interested in how Medicare might help you cover the costs of your health care. Learn how Medicare works and what it covers in this presentation 'Medicare Made Clear' offered by South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce member Mary Crispino of HealthMarkets.
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SHOWCASE Your Business and Events on the SFCC Website Calendar!
Submit Items to SFCC Calendar
Get more exposure for upcoming events sponsored by your business or organization by submitting them to the calendar on the SFCC website. It's easy. Click on NEWS & EVENTS in the navigation bar, click CALENDAR and then EVENT SUBMISSION. Here is the direct link to the calendar on the SFCC website.
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Special Thanks
to the Laurel Hill Golf Club and the Holiday Inn Express Lorton
Our continuing thanks to Laurel Hill Golf Club, General Manager Ryan Carmen and the Holiday Inn Express of Lorton, Director of Sales Erica Lee for offering meeting facilities free of charge to the Chamber for our monthly Board of Directors meetings and other events throughout the year.
Members considering venue options for upcoming events are encouraged to contact Ryan or Heidi to make arrangements.
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Upcoming Events
- Nov 3 -- Election Day
- Nov 5 -- Brain Injury Services 1st annual Rubber Duck Race
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Nov 10 -- United States Marine Corps 245th Birthday
- Nov 11 -- SFCC Board Meeting 9a-11a
- Nov 18 -- Distance Learning Town Hall 7p-8:30p
- Nov 26 -- Thanksgiving
- Nov 27 -- Black Friday
- Nov 28 -- Small Business Saturday
- Nov 30 -- Cyber Monday
- Nov 1-30 -- Lorton Holiday Extravaganza Online MarketPlace
Check out the calendar of events on our website www.southfairfaxchamber.org for more details.
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South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce | PO Box 68 | Lorton, VA 22199
