Chamber of Commerce Holds 2004 Organizational Meeting;
Ivo Romenesko Assumes Role As New Board Chairman

(Charlottesville, Virginia - February 6) The Board of Directors of the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce held its 2004 organizational meeting as Ivo Romenesko, President of Appraisal Group, Inc., assumed the role as 2004 Chairman of the Board of Directors. The meeting was held on January 30th at the Holiday Inn - University Area on Emmet Street in Charlottesville.

"It is a great honor to serve as Chamber Chairman, to follow in the footsteps of many business and civic leaders like our most recent Chamber Chairmen, Gary Taylor and Mike Gaffney," said Ivo Romenesko, President of Appraisal Group, Inc. who serves as 2004 Chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors. "As Chairman, I pledge to continue our Chamber's strategic focus on Member Service and Economic Vitality -- adding to our Chamber Business Advantage - meeting challenges and working together to promote free enterprise and encourage community involvement."

Also serving with Mr. Romenesko on the Executive Committee of the Chamber Board of Directors are: Mark Nelson, Esq., Richmond & Fishburne, Chairman-Elect of the Board & Counsel; Steven W. Blaine, Esq. LeClair Ryan, Vice Chairman for Economic Vitality; Mary Loose DeViney, Tuel Jewelers, Vice Chairwoman for Member Service; Cathy Smith Train, United Way - Thomas Jefferson Area, Treasurer; Gary Taylor, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Past Chairman of the Board (2003); Michael Gaffney, Gaffney Homes, Past Chairman of the Board (2002); and Timothy Hulbert, Chamber President & Chief Executive.

Additional members of the Chamber Board of Directors include: Angelique Carbo, GE Fanuc System Automation; Carol Clarke, Montague Miller & Company Realtors; Ronald Cottrell, Martha Jefferson Hospital; Lynn Dickerson, State Farm Insurance Companies; Bryan Elliott, Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport Authority; Patricia Franklin, Piedmont Virginia Community College; Rob Harrison, Harrison Ad Service Inc.; Kat Imhoff, Thomas Jefferson Foundation (Monticello); Christopher Lee, R. E. Lee & Son, Inc.; David Martin, M-Cam, Inc.; Joyce Robbins; Adams & Garth Staffing; Timothy Rose, University of Virginia Foundation; David Sutton, Tiger Fuel Company; Bryan Thomas, BB&T; Peter Thompson, Senior Center, Inc.; and, Randy Whittlow, Hill & Wood.

Ex Officio members of the Chamber Board of Directors include: Dr. Kevin Castner, Albemarle County Schools; Dr. Frank Friedman, Piedmont Virginia Community College; Gary O'Connell, City of Charlottesville; Leonard Sandridge, University of Virginia; Ronald Hutchinson, Charlottesville City Schools; Robert
Tucker, Jr., County of Albemarle; Robert DeMauri, Thomas Jefferson Partnership for Economic Development; Linda Seaman, Charlottesville Area School & Business Alliance; Mark Shore, Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau; Neil Williamson, Free Enterprise Forum; and Leigh Middleditch, McGuire, Woods, Battle & Boothe as Virginia and United States Chamber of Commerce Liaison.

The Chamber Board of Directors is the governing body of the Chamber of Commerce, a private non-profit corporation. The Board meets monthly. After its organizational tasks, the Chamber Board received a presentation by Chamber Board colleague Robert DeMauri, Executive Director of the Thomas Jefferson Partnership for Economic Development, outlining a number of key regional demographics. Following Mr. DeMauri's presentation the Chamber Board received and reviewed a Chamber statement on the various Virginia tax and fiscal proposals. The Chamber Board resolved to issue a statement upon completion of an electronic vote of the Board.

The Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to representing private enterprise, promoting business and enhancing the quality of life in the greater Charlottesville communities. Founded in 1913, today the Chamber has 1,200 member businesses and civic organizations. Chamber members employ more than 45,000 men and women in the Charlottesville region, representing an estimated total payroll of more than $1.3 billion a year.


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