Klaus Fuechsel
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Klaus
Dok Klaus,” born May 5, 1960 in West Berlin, is known for his attention to details and quality, as well as his quirky German humor. After completing his studies in computer science and marrying the expat musician Virginia Palmer, Klaus started as a programmer with Nixdorf AG in Berlin. When Nixdorf merged with Siemens, Klaus transferred into the international telecommunications branch. In 1999, Siemens gave him the opportunity to move to America. After two years in New Jersey, Klaus left Siemens and took his German-American Fuechsel family to Warrenton, closer to Virginia’s family. Klaus helped friends and neighbors as a “PC Dok,” which led to the founding of his own business, Web Kenner Inc. An IT guy who knows his way around the web, Klaus is a Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) with training in A+, Network+, and diverse programming languages.The family-owned corporation, known as Dok Klaus Computer Care, has grown into an award-winning computer services and web design business with a solid team of repair technicians and programmers. Last year Dok Klaus Computer Care celebrated its 10th Anniversary! Klaus loves solving problems, working with residential and small business clients, helping in the community, and chatting auf Deutsch with fans.
“Dear Fellow Businesswomen and Businessmen:
For over ten years, I have served the Warrenton area through my activities as “Dok Klaus,” and through serving with the Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce, hope to promote this area even more. You know my efforts as a head of a small, award-winning computer services business, but you might not know that over the years I have helped many non-profits, school, community, and arts events through gift-certificates, courtesy discounts, and advertising. While my daughters were at Fauquier High School, I also supported a few graduates-in-need with computer laptop scholarships. I participate in Liberty’s annual career shadowing program, and regularly take on high school and college summer interns. By giving students a chance to learn not just the tech side but also the necessary customer service skills, they can greatly increase their chances later in the job market. I believe that one of Warrenton’s greatest challenges is in the area of job creation and entrepreneur support. Too many of our talented, well-educated students leave the area for NOVA and beyond; the entire community would benefit if more graduates could find suitable work here.
Sincerely,
Klaus Fuechsel of
Dok Klaus Computer Care”
Kim Jenkins
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Kim Jenkins
Kim Jenkins is the Sr. Branch Manager, Bank Officer in the Warrenton Market for Union First Market Bank. Managing two locations in Warrenton, Kim understands the importance of community banking. Well known locally, Kim offers 13 years of banking and lending experience and a longstanding presence in the market. Along with her involvement in the Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce, the Partnership for Warrenton, and her work with Fauquier County School financial literacy programs, Kim brings a wealth of knowledge and an understanding of the community. Kim has a passion for assisting others and helping them succeed. Mrs. Jenkins’ knowledge of the banking industry and the Warrenton community will serve the chamber well.
Scott Harlan
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Scott Harlan
Scott Harlan is co-owner of Talk 19 Media, LLC. His extensive background includes Production, Education, and Performance in the Audio, Video, Music, and Voice Over industries. In his 20+ years of experience, he has produced everything from commercials and jingles to educational videos, and from audio / video logos to audio books. A former and current small business owner, he prides himself on being able to do big things with small resources; a skill crucial to the success of any small business. At Talk 19 Media, LLC, Scott and wife Tina Harlan strive to give small businesses – especially of the “mom and pop” variety – affordable and effective marketing services, for which most most big agencies charge a fortune. Scott puts his artistic talents, business experience, intelligence, and good nature all together for his clients, believing that he only succeeds if they do.
“A message to the membership:
I’m old enough to remember when Manassas was just farms and battlefields, but young enough to have agonized over how long it took for high-speed internet to find Fauquier County. The point is, I’ve always felt that there is great power in contrast; not in one side or the other, but in the potential strength of their combination. Warrenton is changing, as all things eventually do. At the same time, we don’t want to lose any of the small town charm, old-fashioned business practices, or historical significance that has made it great. Having been active in the Warrenton chamber over the last year, having been an owner or co-owner of two small businesses (currently just one), having been prolifically creative throughout my life, and now as a husband, father, and homeowner right here in 20187, I feel like I have a deep understanding of the contrast that Warrenton has become. I love all of its history, tradition, class, and somewhat-accidental elegance. I also appreciate that in its potential for growth lies tremendous opportunities for new businesses, for families, and really for the community as a whole. Bringing ALL of these things together will make Warrenton a far more special place than if we were to only cling to what has come before, or only look ahead at what could come. I believe that my unique experiences and skills, my passion for contributing to “the greater good,” and my own old-fashioned hard work ethics could be a big factor in helping Warrenton evolve … without changing too much. “
Heather Devers
More about Heather Devers
Heather Devers
Heather Devers has been a proud resident of Fauquier County over the past 28 years. She currently lives in the Town of Warrenton with her husband and children. Heather has been in the banking industry over the past 15 years and enjoys helping her members achieve financial success. She is active in the community as a current Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. She is also a founding member and Secretary for the Financial Awareness Network [FAN], which received the Financial Education Partner of the Year award from the Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation in 2013. FAN promotes financial education for youth and adults in our surrounding community and has reached 11,267 students since its founding in 2010. Heather is also the past Chairman of the Night of Magic Ball for the INOVA children’s hospital, which offers chronically ill patients and their families an evening away from the stresses of being in the hospital. She recently graduated from the Leadership Program with Northwest Federal and leads her team at the Gainesville Branch. Heather and her team have proudly served the Warrenton community by reading to local preschools about the benefits of “Spending, Sharing and Saving” which helps give the youth of today a head start to achieving financial success in the future.
Bill Chipman
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Bill Chipman
A. William Chipman III was born in Washington D.C. and raised in Bethesda, MD. He graduated with a B.B.A. from James Madison University in 1984. In 1988, he married his wife of now 25 years, Karen, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Warrenton, VA. A few years later, they made the Town of Warrenton their home, raising their two children here.
In addition to his B.B.A., Bill is a Certified General Appraiser (since 1993), Real Estate Broker (since 1995), and has a Secret Clearance with the Department of Justice (since 2011). In 1999 he started his own business, CRES Inc., a full service real estate company specializing in the sale, leasing and appraisal of commercial real estate properties in the Washington D.C metropolitan area. In my career I have participated in the sale of over $300 million in commercial real estate transactions and over $3 billion of asset valuation.
Bill has served on the Town of Warrenton Board of Zoning Appeals (1997-2008), the Board of the Fauquier Free Clinic (2006-2009, served as President in 2006), the Main Street Partnership Board (2007), the Board of the Boys and Girls Club of Fauquier(2008), and has volunteered for the Fauquier Family Shelter and St. John’s Catholic Church.
“1. Do you currently serve on any committees for the GW Chamber or community? Please name them.
Boys and Girls Club
2. What are your areas of expertise? (sales, marketing, technical, financial, etc.)
Commercial real estate sales and finance
3. What additional skills or characteristics do you have that would serve the Chamber if you were elected to the Board of Directors?
I have lived in Warrenton for over 20 years and am very active in community. I am a team player when it comes to making board decisions and I believe I have an excellent reputation in Warrenton both personally and in business.
4. Besides the monthly meetings, how much time could you dedicate to the Chamber?
1-2 hrs. week
5. What are we doing right and what, if any, changes would you like to see within our organization?
I have not been active in this chamber for the past couple of years but I believe reaching out to small businesses, which is the backbone of our business community, is very important.
6. What are the critical challenges we face in our business community over the next 12 months and what should we do about them?
To have the Warrenton/Fauquier area viewed as a welcoming environment for businesses and to identify the specific sites in each of the service districts that would accommodate all potential users.
7. Why would you like to be on the board?
Commercial real estate knowledge is essential in any chamber organization. My company, CRES Inc., I believe is the most knowledgable entity in this sector of business and the board would greatly benefit from my contribution.”
Mitchell Morton
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Mitchell Morton
Born and raised in Warrenton, Virginia, Mitchell Morton is a lifelong resident of FauquierCounty. Mitchell joined the Warrenton business community in 2001 while working in the graphic communications and business marketing industries. During that time he advised and assisted countless local organizations and small businesses through various stages of marketing and business development. Mitchell credits much of his personal and professional development and success to his participation in various community and networking events where he has served as both a volunteer and a leader.
Currently, Mitchell serves as the president of Pay it Forward Inc., a 501©(3) nonprofit organization, that uses technology and security to help facilitate charity and goodwill. His prior business experience includes being the owner/operator of a small graphic design and printing company serves small businesses an non profit organizations. He is also an independent business marketing consultant who provides guidance on creative design, marketing strategy and business development to area businesses to help them grow and thrive. Throughout his career, Mitchell has been known as a creative thinker and innovative problem solver.
Mitchell is excited for the opportunity to give back to the Warrenton business community by serving on the Warrenton Chamber of Commerce.
“Fellow Chamber Members
Hi I’m Mitchell Morton; I would like the opportunity to serve you, the Warrenton Business Community, as a member of the board of directors for The Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce. As president of Pay it Forward, Inc., I work with countless individuals who take pride in the development and wellbeing of their communities. As an organization we assist them in many ways. Including, raising and distributing funds electronically to provided security and accountability. As well as offering green energy solutions that help support the local community and its non-profit organizations.
As technology advances, business and the way we do business changes immediately. Working in the marketing and advertising industry along with being a Warrenton native, I have an ongoing interest in the growth and development of our area and its businesses. Knowing the Warrenton business community is unique in many ways I believe there are options and opportunities that will help local businesses succeed and prosper.
Throughout my career I have been successful at providing innovative solutions and creative ideas. If voted as a board of director not only will I contribute my experience, I will convey my passion for our community and my ability to lead through service and innovation. When you cast your vote please vote for Mitchell Morton, Pay it Forward Inc.
Thank you
MM”
Joerg Meyer
More about Joerg Meyer:
Joerg Meyer
As a turn-around professional in Europe for over 20 years, I worked with international companies in Germany, Great Britain, Benelux, Spain and Sweden. When we came to the U.S., I and my wife founded a Real Estate Investment Company, which we lost in 2008. Even with my experience to prevent exactly these situations to happen I didn’t see it coming, at least not in this magnitude. The lesson I learned personally and confirmed in many conversations I had is: A company owner is often incapable to see things from outside the company and misses crucial developments within his market. This is a specific skill I developed ever since. My new Company is Winner’s Point LLC. We are Business Consultants with the emphasis of a strategic risk analysis based on forward looking developments from outside our client company. A subsidiary of Winner’s Point LLC is gotomycommunity.com which is a website focused and driven by local businesses. The purpose is to help small businesses in the community. Gotomycommunity.com is still in its infancy but growing.
“Open letter to the members of the Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce
Last Wednesday at the GWCC Mixer at Dragon Fly a member asked me if I wanted him to vote for me. This question kind of hit me off guard because my inner core immediately protested. I think in general a candidate cannot and should not ask a voter to vote for him without a solid conviction for the candidate. If the voter already decided for the candidate the question is not necessary. If he already decided against him the question becomes obsolete. An undecided voter must rely on the information he gathers and the candidate provides about himself and his capabilities to convince the voter that he/she is the right person for the task. This can only be done by the candidate’s willingness to open up and answer questions of the voting body. I strongly believe only if this voting body is deeply convinced that this candidate can positively and constructively contribute to the development of the community he deserves their vote. If this conviction is not there or only marginally developed the candidate does not deserve to be elected. This status of a winning candidate can only be accomplished by his/her own personality to demonstrate honesty, integrity, and honor along with knowledge and the willingness to be a team member. It cannot and should not be accomplished by undermining the opponent and voters should not accept this kind of behavior.
The conclusion is: It is not about me. I consider myself just a small part and a member of this community who wants to serve within the community. It is entirely about the GWCC and its members and the vision which was developed as a joint accomplishment among all participants of the GWCC.
I think we have a lot of work to do in this community and nobody can do it alone everybody for himself so to speak. Only a team effort can be successful which develops and follows a vision to grow in a balanced way here in our community. When I use the term “Growth”, I mean economy, culture, individual opportunities for recreation, and individual opportunities for jobs here where we live. When I use the term “Balanced”, I mean a development which keeps the beauty of our community in mind while pursuing the creation of new opportunities in this community. I mean to find ways which takes all aspects of life here where we live under consideration. I mean to use our creativity and create consensus among all involved in the process. This will not be easy but it is well worth the effort.
The GWCC is such a team which I consider capable of accomplishing exactly that. This is the reason why I would like to volunteer and be part of this team.
From good friends I got the feedback that sometimes I am perceived as too direct. Well, I cannot deny where I came from. I am German by birth and grew up in Germany. I came here to the U.S. in March 2000 and live in this area since almost 11 years now. Germans are generally direct but don’t mean any insult or harm. I usually go straight to the point in the effort to find a solution for a problem or just to formulate the essence of a situation. For Americans this sometimes is too direct. I understand these feelings and I try to adapt.
This board position and life in general is not about individual perfection. It is about living with each other’s shortcomings. It is about finding common ground and consensus. Only in this condition a concept will be gladly adopted and set into motion by everybody and a vision can become reality.
Respectfully
Joerg M. Meyer”
Boys and Girls Club need to raise $335,000 by the end of the year!
Thanks to the aid of the community, the Boys and Girls Club of Fauquier has a chance to save their home. Three member banks, The Fauquier Bank, Oak View National Bank, and Union First Market Bank have agreed to restructure the mortgage on the club’s building at 169 Keith St. in Warrenton, purchased almost four years ago for $1.8 million. For the restructure to work the Club must still raise $335,000 by year’s end.
The fundraising campaign led by Crystal McKinsey of McKinsey Development has brought in $15,000 thus far from about 100 donors, with a potential matching gift of $100,000.
For the cost of a house, the Boys and Girls Club of Fauquier can keep their home and continue serving children on our community as they have since 1997.
See the full article on Fauquier Now. To donate visit http://bghomecampaign.org/
The Bridge ‘From Field to Hearth’™
Cool breezes are easing through town, and the harvests will soon be brought in. Seasons are starting to change, and here at the Bridge we are changing seasons of our own. As the summer heat fades, our montage of Virginia Wineries has slipped away.
Each year we bring an array of local winemakers to our table, and with them the experience and beauty of the Piedmont region. A tasting was held every week featuring some of Virginia’s greats, such as Pearmund Cellars, Narmada Winery, and Barboursville Vineyards. Four of their best wines brought by their all-star crews -and, in some cases, the owners themselves- paint a picture of their range of culture, from passion to tranquility. To raise the stakes still more, we presented a monthly Winemakers’ dinner, pairing 5 unique courses with wines crafted by masters of the art. Some of these events, such as the one featuring Gray Ghost Vineyards, gained such popularity that we had to repeat the act a second time to satisfy the demand! Summer in wine country is an exciting time.
Why have we brought this theme back year after year? It brings us full circle back to home, back to the land where our food and atmosphere are grown. More and more of our food comes from around the corner, grown by farmers you may have passed on the road or walked right by on the street. Nothing compares to the finest meats and vegetables grown in the fertile soil within a few miles of us, and the local wines reflect that all the more. It is a match made in heaven.
Now as the seasons begin to change we too must change our flavor. There is more wine out in the rest of the world also worthy of note, and we are bringing that to Warrenton each week. With tastings portraying regions around the world, we can compare Virginia contra mundum. Our food lineup each week is also evolving, with our own pastas made from local ingredients each Tuesday and unique wine paired dinners each Wednesday matching up local food to wines from around the world. With so much happening at the Bridge, we can’t wait to see where the Autumn takes us!
When you boil us down to our most basic identity, we are an expression of the love and commitment that farmers and winemakers here in Virginia pour into their lives’ work. We are the Bridge from field to hearth, from farm to home, and our arms are always open in welcome. The heart of the events we bring you all week is dear to us. It is the simple fact that local wines and local foods grown, raised, crafted and cooked here in the beautiful Piedmont region can stand toe-to-toe with the best that the rest of the world can offer.
We are the Bridge from Virginia to You.
-by Bob Grouge and Jim Hollingshead
Bob Grouge is the owner of The Iron Bridge Restaurant and Wine Company, located in Old Town Warrenton. Jim Hollingshead works at the ‘Bridge’ with Bob and is a Virginia wine enthusiast.
Rainbow Center Press Release
FAQs
Who was the original influence behind establishing the Rainbow Center?
Rainbow Center began with one physical therapist, her young client with cerebral palsy and a horse. The reason she decided to use a horse is as the horse walks or changes gaits, the sway of the horse’s back is similar to the movement patterns of the human pelvis. This movement benefits clients with neuromuscular disorders by improving muscle tone and balance, coordination, symmetry and posture control and limbic system and sensorimotor function.
Did you ever picture it reaching the size that it has become? Are you still hoping to grow?
Rainbow Center has a solid strategic plan and business plan which the board of directors developed and updates every two years. Our dream is to build a center that offers equine assisted therapies six days a week 8 hours a day. We currently serve high school students four mornings a week; Wounded Warriors alternate Thursday mornings and private classes in the afternoon. We offer early afternoon sessions to at risk youth and will be offering classes to Minds in Motion students in the fall and to children with loved ones in hospice care. Last year we served 179 clients, and we would like to add 80 clients to our roster in 2013.
Can you give us an example of a success story from the Rainbow Center?
We have so many success stories from all of our programs. The Mane Experience, a program funded by Potomac Health Foundation is one of my favorites because it showcases all that we do:
Success Story 1:
Carlos is a student with Intellectual Disabilities from Forest Park High School. He was the only student from FP to participate in all 5 sessions of The Mane Experience. Before he began the program, Carlos was a shy, timid young man with confidence issues. He seldom spoke out in class, was a follower, and transparent to his peers.
On the bus ride to Rainbow Center, day one of session one, he expressed concern and anxiety. At the conclusion of the day his fears were dispelled and he wrote in his journal, “I would love to work here and live here every day. It was the best day of my life!!!”
Through the program, Carlos has been transformed. The transformation is best described in his words that he shared with the PWC School Board Members during one of the recent meetings:
“When I started the program, I thought I was going to only learn about horses but I learned so much about myself. Now I have more confidence, I am a better leader, and I communicate better with my classmates. I even had the courage to join ROTC because I felt so good about myself.
When I graduate, I want to go to school to learn how to be a police officer who rides horses. I love this program and I hope it continues.”
Due to Carlos’ passion and personal gains, he has received a scholarship for private lessons and is now working with the farm manager completing vocational task at the center using his math skills to measure and cut wood to fix fences.
Success Story 2
Robbie is a student from Hylton High School. He also shared with the PWC School Board Members during one of the recent meetings the following comments:
“School has always been hard for me. In fact, last year I wanted to give up and
drop out. My goal in life has always been to work with horses but schools never
offered that trade. Everything changed this year. I was able to participate in
The Mane Experience with the Rainbow Riding Center and Forest Park. I always
knew a lot about horses but the Rainbow Riding Center taught me so much about
training horses and I then began to grow into a more mature, responsible student.
I was selected as a student volunteer four days a week and I love what I’m doing!
My goal is to graduate in June and begin working in the profession. “
You’ve had a wide variety of sponsors. What are some of the criteria for a business looking to assist the Rainbow Center?
We raise money for two purposes: (1) to support our program lessons and (2) build our facility through the “Build a Chidl’s Dream” capital campaign.
Program: Every student who rides at Rainbow receives at least a 2/3 scholarship. The true cost of a lesson is a bit more than $140 and we charge $50. Most of our fundraisers are for program to raise the balance of the cost of lessons.
Most people who would benefit from therapeutic riding have difficulty affording it because their medical costs are so high. We also have limited scholarships when donors give designated funds for scholarships. The Robert Duvall Children’s Fund is our primary source of scholarship funds. Last year we were able to offer $5,000 in scholarships from the Children’s Fund. In addition to individual donations, businesses sponsor our events: February Winter Dance, May Golf Tournament and June FUN Show.
Facility: Our $3.2 million building campaign has completed two phases! We need to raise about $600,000 to complete our facility! Rainbow Center is a Prince William County Community Partner and we operate on land that belongs to PWC. We have a 30 year license agreement that is renewable as long as we are operating. For donors this is a significant relationship because facility donations will always belong to the community. Buildings run with the land, so when you donate to the building you are guaranteed that your gift will always serve the public as opposed to facilities at private farms. Much of our facility has been built through in kind donations. The building community is incredibly generous and special thanks goes out to Classic Concept Builders, Ennis Electric, Allsite, Vulcan, Toll Brothers and George Nuber Engineering. Once our facility is complete we can offer expanded programming so that clients can participate in equine assisted therapeutic activities for 4-6 hours while their parents receive respite. Our 3rd Annual Benefit Concert featuring Peter Mayer, Scott Kirby, Brendan Mayer and Gary Green is scheduled for September 21 at the Tally Ho Theatre in Leesburg. Tickets are $40 for all ages and can be purchases at www.tallyholeesburg.com. Sponsorships are also available. To sponsor call executive director Debi Alexander 571-332-2587 or email at rainbow@rainbowriding.org.
