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Business Today
Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce member enterprise news log

Monday, May 21, 2007


Richard Parker Named WVPT's Interim General Manager

(Harrisonburg) Dr. Brad Roof, chairman of the WVPT Board of Directors, has named former WVPT General Manager (GM) Richard Parker as WVPT-Virginia's Public Television's interim GM upon Bert's Schmidt's leaving. Schmidt accepted the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of WHRO public radio and television in Norfolk, Virginia.

Parker came to WVPT as GM in 1970, just two years after the station began broadcasting, and has had an illustrious career in television spanning nearly five decades. Originally from Arkansas, he began his career in military and commercial television where he was a producer and director before moving to public television in 1964.

He has held positions at public television stations WDCN-Nashville, Tennessee; WVPT-Virginia's Public Television, Harrisonburg; Oklahoma Educational Network; and WYIN in Northwest Indiana. He was selected to start WYIN from the ground up. Under Parker's leadership in the 1970s, WVPT moved from broadcasting six hours per day to adopting a full- day broadcasting schedule, transitioned from black and white to color, and became a part of the Public Broadcasting System. Parker currently hosts "Consider This," WVPT's half- hour, weekly public affairs series airing Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.

Because of his thorough coverage of the General Assembly and other public affairs issues, the series received the 2005 Virginia Association of Broadcaster's award for Best News Series and is up for the 2006 award also. He received the Public Relations Council of the Shenandoah Valley's 2003 Outstanding Career Achievement in Media Award, among many others throughout the years.


UVA Patent Foundation Announces 2007 Inventor of the Year

The University of Virginia Patent Foundation has selected Wladek Minor as the 2007 Edlich-Henderson Inventor of the Year. A professor of molecular physiology and biological physics in the University's School of Medicine, Minor is a pioneering researcher and inventor in the field of protein crystallography.

XdisplayF, one of the software programs Minor and his colleagues have developed, is a visualization tool that allows crystallographers - scientists who study the structure and characteristics of crystals - to inspect and analyze their raw data. Along with other tools developed in Minor's laboratory, XdisplayF is a component of the HKL and HKL-2000 software packages, which are used by scientists in more than 70 percent of the data deposits to the Protein Data Bank (a central repository of structural data of proteins and nucleic acids managed by an international scientific consortium working to place the information in the public domain).

Minor's lab is part of the Midwest Center for Structural Genomics, a leading center of the National Institutes of Health's Protein Structure Initiative, which elucidated the 3-D structures of more than 600 proteins during the past seven years. HKL-3000, the latest software package developed in Minor's lab, was instrumental in that achievement. Minor's research has been published in Nature, Structure, Biochemistry and other prestigious journals. He may be best known for his 1997 article, co-written with Zbyszek Otwinowski of the Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, "Processing of X-ray Diffraction Data Collected in Oscillation Mode."

In 2006, their article was reported to be the second-most-cited scientific paper of the past decade. In addition to his distinguished academic achievements, Minor also has been active in seeking a commercial outlet for his work. The HKL and HKL- 2000 suites of programs have been commercialized and are distributed by HKL Research, Inc., a local start-up company founded by Minor and Otwinowski. The company has generated significant sales, and cumulative royalties paid to the U.Va. Patent Foundation are approaching $1 million. Although an issued patent has been one of the requirements for the award in the past, the requirement was expanded this year to include granted copyrights, making Minor's work in software eligible for the award.

Minor was honored May 14 at a banquet at the Boar's Head Inn in Charlottesville. He received a plaque and a cash award of $10,000. This is the 15th year the Patent Foundation has bestowed the award.

The U.Va. Patent Foundation's annual award recognizes University of Virginia inventors who have developed technology of notable value to society. Financial success is a plus, but not a requirement. Award-winning inventions may treat disease; serve the disadvantaged, the disabled or the elderly; protect the environment; provide tools for research; enhance education; or aid in the development of a field of science or technology. A committee of U.Va. faculty selects the winner.

Award sponsor Christopher J. Henderson is president and chief financial officer of Robbins & Henderson, LLC., a New York financial services firm. Dr. Richard F. Edlich, professor emeritus of plastic surgery and biomedical engineering at U.Va., is a longtime supporter of faculty inventors and the U.Va. Patent Foundation.

Established in 1977, the U.Va. Patent Foundation works with faculty inventors to protect and license inventions with commercial potential. Royalties earned from the sale of products and services based on these inventions fund the operations of the Patent Foundation, support the University's research programs and profit the inventors.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007


Goodwill Industries of the Valleys' Revenue in Top 15%

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys was one of the top revenue performing Goodwill operations in the country in 2006. According to information tabulated by Goodwill Industries International, the Roanoke based non profit jobs agency earned more than $29 million in revenue. That ranks it 25th of more than 170 Goodwill organizations in North America.

In less than a decade, revenue generated by Goodwill Industries of the Valleys has increased by more than 400%. The company currently operates 24 stores, four divisions, three work centers, and several job training programs throughout 31 counties in Western, Central, and Southern Virginia. The organization's 25th retail store will open in Radford in June.

Goodwill relies on the generosity of the communities to donate the clothing and household items that stock the stores. Donations are accepted at all stores and at the Attended Donation Centers throughout the area. Additionally, through the collection and sale of donated goods, last year more than seven million pounds of refuse were kept out of the landfills in our communities.

As more stores are added, even more will be recycled in the future. More than a half million donations were made to Goodwill last year. This year Goodwill is expected to serve more than 3,600 people through a variety of programs. When its Radford store is open, nearly 700 people will be employed in Goodwill Industries of the Valleys' business operations.

The organization's outsourcing contract services provide work for more than 100 companies. Goodwill is flexible enough to complete contracts in it own work centers or at the company job site. It regularly seeks contracts from businesses and governments in the communities it serves.

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys revenue for 2006 was greater than any other Goodwill operation in Virginia, including Washington D.C. It also surpasses communities like Cincinnati, Memphis, Charlotte, Denver, and Detroit. A complete listing of store locations, donation centers and career opportunities is available at any Goodwill Industries of the Valleys retail or office location or online at www.goodwillvalleys.com.

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys serves 14 cities and 31 counties in central and southwest Virginia. Its mission is helping people in our community achieve a better life through work and independence.


Sue Friedman Becomes President of Regional Alzheimer's Association

Sue Friedman recently became President and CEO of the Central and Western Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, succeeding Lawrence M. (Larry) Zippin. Zippin is retiring from this leadership position after 43 years of association management experience, the last four at the Alzheimer's Association. The announcement was made by Ron Feinman, Chairman of the Alzheimer's Association of Central and Western Virginia Board of Directors.

Ms. Friedman, currently Acting Executive Director of the Thomas Jefferson Partnership for Economic Development, brings a wealth of leadership experience in not-for-profit organization management, education and program development to the Alzheimer's Association. She has served as the development director for a community nonprofit serving emotionally disturbed adolescents, the executive director of a statewide nonprofit association bringing business and education together to benefit children, the public information officer for a national association serving community colleges, and the director of an educational foundation. Ms. Friedman earned her Bachelor's degree from Purdue University in political science and a Master's degree in agency counseling from Indiana State University. She is a 2000 graduate of Leadership Charlottesville and currently serves as the Chair of the Albemarle County School Board. She also serves on the United Way- Thomas Jefferson Area Board as the Campaign Chair and on the "I Have A Dream" Foundation Board.

The Central & Western Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association serves Danville, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Roanoke, Waynesboro and surrounding counties; a area including 37 counties, 16 cities, 17,573 square miles and a population of 1.6 million Virginians. Approximately 33,000 people suffer from Alzheimer's disease and dementia in the region. Our mission is to enhance care and support for individuals, their families and caregivers while also supporting research to discover a cure.


Beth Vanda Named New Business Officer With Union Bank & Trust

Union Bank & Trust is pleased to announce that Beth L. Vanda has joined the organization as the new Business Development Officer focused on the downtown market of Charlottesville.

Vanda brings with her 28 years of banking experience, specializing in sales and marketing and her primary focus will be developing commercial and consumer relationships in the downtown market.

She is a Central Michigan University alumni, Leadership Charlottesville graduate, Party Parade Past President and Blue Ridge Mountains Rotarian. Vanda's office is located at 400 East Main Street, Charlottesville.


Diffusion Pharmaceuticals Announces Formation of Scientific Advisory Board Chaired by Company Co- founder, John L. Gainer, Ph.D.

Diffusion Pharmaceuticals LLC, a clinical-stage drug discovery and development company pioneering a revolutionary approach to the treatment of life- threatening diseases, recently announced that it has formed a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) to advise the Company on its clinical development programs.

The SAB, comprised of four noted scientists and clinicians, will provide Diffusion's leadership team with critical scientific and medical input on the Company's strategic direction. The founding members of Diffusion's SAB include John L. Gainer, Ph.D. (Chair); Stuart A. Grossman, M.D.; John A. Jane, M.D., Ph.D., FRCS; and David E. Longnecker, M.D., FRCA.

John L. Gainer, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of the University of Virginia department of Chemical Engineering, is Diffusion Pharmaceuticals' co-founder and Chief Scientific Advisor. He will serve as SAB Chairman. As the inventor of the Company's proprietary trans bipolar carotenoid family of molecules, he plays a critical role in charting the path of their further development and commercialization.

Dr. Gainer has spent four decades investigating the transport properties of small molecules in solvents and biological systems, authoring over 100 scientific journal articles. He has spent two sabbaticals investigating drug actions and related research in the laboratories of major pharmaceutical companies. He has been a member of the International Society for Oxygen Transport in Tissues since its inception in 1973 and has received several teaching awards, including the University of Virginia Alumni Association's Distinguished Professor Award and the Outstanding Teacher Award from the Southeastern Section of the American Society for Engineering Education. Dr. Gainer received his PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware in 1964.

Diffusion Pharmaceuticals LLC is a clinical-stage drug-discovery and development company that owns a platform technology of patented small-molecule therapeutics that enhance the diffusion of oxygen to hypoxic (oxygen starved) tissues. By applying a revolutionary approach to increase oxygen diffusion into tissue cells, Diffusion's lead molecule trans sodium crocetinate (TSC) and other proprietary pipeline molecules (known as trans bipolar carotenoid or TBC molecules) could be used to treat life-threatening conditions, such as trauma, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders, peripheral vascular and arterial disease and numerous other conditions characterized by oxygen deprivation at the cellular level.

A Phase I clinical trial for TSC began in the first quarter of 2007 to support the use of TSC in ischemic indications. Phase II studies for TSC are expected to begin later this year. Several of the company's pipeline molecules are currently in the preclinical stage.

Diffusion Pharmaceuticals, which is privately held, is located in Charlottesville, Virginia. For more information, visit www.diffusionpharma.com.


Silvercrest Welcomes Vulcan Capital as a New Strategic Investor

Silvercrest Asset Management Group LLC and Vulcan Capital today announced Vulcan's purchase of a significant minority equity interest in Silvercrest. Vulcan Capital is the private investment arm of Vulcan Inc., the personal holding company of Paul G. Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft.

The majority of Silvercrest's equity will continue to be owned by Silvercrest's principals. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Sagent Advisors Inc. served as a financial advisor to Silvercrest in connection with this transaction.

Silvercrest Asset Management was co-founded in April 2002 by G. Moffett Cochran and Martin Jaffe as an independent, employee-owned registered investment advisor. The firm has established itself as one of the leading wealth management boutiques in the United States, with approximately $8 billion of assets under management primarily for wealthy individual investors and families. Silvercrest provides traditional and alternative investment advisory and family office services to wealthy families and select institutional investors. The firm has 84 employees and in addition to its headquarters in New York City, maintains an office in Charlottesville, VA. For additional information, visit: www.silvercrestgroup.com.

Vulcan Capital conducts the investment activities of Vulcan Inc., the personal holding company of Paul G. Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates. Allen founded Vulcan in 1986 to manage his personal and business interests. Vulcan is led by Allen as Chairman and President and CEO Jody Patton. Vulcan Capital is led by President Lance Conn. Vulcan Capital is focused on generating long-term value appreciation across a multibillion dollar portfolio, which spans diverse industry sectors and investment asset classes, ranging from early-stage venture investments to public equity value investing, leveraged buyouts, acquisitions, and distressed situations. Additional information may be obtained by visiting: capital.vulcan.com.


Kluge, Moses Recognized for Generosity to PVCC

Patricia Kluge and William J. Moses have been recognized for their generosity to Piedmont Virginia Community College. Kluge and Moses were among benefactors from Virginia's 23 community colleges who Wednesday received leadership in philanthropy awards from Virginia Community College System Chancellor Glenn DuBois.

Patricia Kluge, founder, owner and chairwoman of Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard, and William J. Moses, its CEO, were nominated for the award by the PVCC Educational Foundation. The foundation cited the couple's role in establishing the viticulture and enology program at PVCC, the first of its kind in Virginia, as well as their generous $1.2 million gift to support science and health programs and laboratories. In recognition of that gift, the largest in the history of the college, the new science building at the college will bear their names.

In addition, Moses serves as a member of the PVCC Educational Foundation Board of Directors. This is the second year for the awards. Last year's nominees from PVCC were J. A. Kessler III and Barbara Bledsoe Kessler, co-chairs of the largest and most successful fundraising campaign in the history of PVCC.


Albemarle County Schools Given Gold Ranking

Albemarle County Public Schools just received notification of a top Gold ranking by Expansion Magazine for 2007, placing it in the top 17% of divisions in the nation, joining Arlington, Fairfax, Harrisonburg, Loudoun, Roanoke County and York in receiving the Gold designation for Virginia. More than 2,800 divisions were rated nationally.

Albemarle officials said they believe the recognition ties directly to why the school system needs to remain market-competitive in terms of student performance and teacher salaries so that it can do its part in contributing to building a local economic base in support of our community needs.

Expansion Magazine helps companies evaluate future locations. For additional information on the magazine's ranking, visit http://expansionmanagement.com/smo/articleviewer/d efault.asp?cmd=articledetail&articleid=18257&st=5


U.S. Cellular Honors Local Rep

U.S Cellular has created a corporate atmosphere that places tremendous value on the bonds between employers and workers, creating a place where people truly love to work. One of the ways that U.S. Cellular does this is by providing associates with the tools and training they need, while instilling a passion for serving customers and a culture of empowerment and pride.

U.S. Cellular's Leadership Institute helps associates realize how they can make a difference for the company and in their own professional growth. The company is pleased to announce that Jennifer Franklin from the U.S. Cellular store in Charlottesville has graduated from U.S. Cellular's leadership training institute.

Franklin is one of 14 graduates that attended an eight month program teaching leadership skills ranging from high-impact communication and making effective decisions to ensure the development of people. This knowledge will provide her with the tools to lead other associates. The graduates training and development will be reinforced through quarterly forums and mentorship programs.

The concept behind the D.O. is simple: effective leaders build satisfied associates, who in turn deliver outstanding customer service-thus increasing customer loyalty and revenue. In an industry dominated by giant national carriers, U.S. Cellular is proving that being passionate about its associates- and the customer service they provide-can be the key to thriving in a highly competitive arena.

In her role as a retail wireless consultant, Franklin is responsible for the acquisition of new wireless customers, retention of existing customers, and delivering a high level of customer service.

U.S. Cellular is the nation's sixth-largest wireless service carrier, serving 5.8 million customers in 26 states. The Chicago-based company operates on a customer satisfaction strategy, meeting customer needs by providing a comprehensive range of wireless products and services, superior customer support and a high-quality network.


Local Catholic Schools are First to be Recognized for Excellence

The schools of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, which include Charlottesville Catholic School, have been recognized as the first Catholic school system in the nation to receive district accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI).

District recognition was earned by the schools and presented to Superintendent John Elcesser and Bishop DiLorenzo by Dr. Edward Krensen, Senior Vice President SACS CASI, East Coast Region. Krensen chaired the Quality Assurance Review Team that evaluated the Diocese of Richmond's school system, and presided at the presentation of accreditation at ceremonies at the chancery on March 14, 2007.


Run in the Name of Love 5K a Booming Success

After much preparation and hard work, The Arc of the Piedmont and University of Virginia student volunteers pulled off a wonderful event, raising almost $2,000 for The Arc while memorializing Brian Love in the third annual Run in the Name of Love 5K. The race was held on Sunday, April 14, 2007 at 9:00 AM on the UVA campus and the pasta dinner, hosted by Fellini's #9, was held the evening before.

Brian Love was a fourth year college student at the University of Virginia who died in a tragic snowboarding accident on February 1, 2005. Brian was involved with the Outdoors Club as well as being the captain of the men's snowboarding team. The race memorializes him and raises money for The Arc of the Piedmont.

The Arc is a non-profit organization that improves the quality of life of infants, children and adults with, or at risk of mental retardation and developmental disabilities, and the lives of their families through service, advocacy and education. The vision of The Arc is for people with disabilities to be fully participating members of the community.

This year's Run and pasta dinner were sponsored by Fellini's #9, Ben & Jerry's, Road ID, Ragged Mountain Running Shop, Blue Ridge Graphics, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Hot Cakes, Bodo's Bagel, Harris Teeter, Whole Foods and Giant. The honorary guest and speaker was Susan Love, Brian Loves' mother who is a marathon runner and an inspiring motivational speaker.

The event was successful through their support. For more information on The Arc of the Piedmont or the Run in the Name of Love 5K race, please visit www.TheArcofthePiedmont.org, call (434) 977-4002 or e-mail Brett Spitale, Development Director, at bspitale@TheArcofthePiedmont.org.


Community Hoopers Raise $16,000 for Area Children

The third annual Merrill Lynch 3-on-3 for Community Basketball Tournament raised $16,000 for area children Saturday, $8,000 of which will go to the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital’s “Jeffrey’s Gifts” program. The other $8,000 will be given to the Children, Youth & Family Services, Inc.

The tournament was originally scheduled to be outdoors at Washington Park, but the cooler weather had tournament officials move the games inside to Walker Elementary School.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car, captained by Justin Kinsey, won the Championship Division competition, and “The Jaspers”, captained by Joe Jasper won the Recreational Division. However, the real winners were area children. Other event sponsors included Robinson, Farmer, Cox & Associates, Pepsi, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Blue Ridge Rotary, Contour Construction, Pavilion Properties, Spring Creek Development and NBC 29- TV.


Monticello Announces New VP and CEO

Victoria W. Jones, treasurer and chief financial officer of the University of Virginia Law School Foundation since 2001, has been named vice president and chief financial officer of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc., the private, nonprofit corporation that has owned and operated Monticello since 1923.

Jones will oversee all of Monticello’s business and financial activities, including the accounting and human resources departments. While at the U.Va. Law Foundation, Jones directed all financial operations, including cash management, budgeting, regulatory compliance, expenditure and revenue oversight, and payroll and human resources administration.

Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Florida State University and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. A resident of Albemarle County, she is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants.


King Family Vineyards Named America’s Best Viognier

The April 2007 issue of Saveur, a national gourmet food magazine, claims the King Family Vineyards “Michael Shaps” Viognier 2005 “displays near-perfect balance and is also vibrant – a difficult but delectable combination. It may well be America’s best viognier.” The article compared viogniers from around the world and listed the top twelve.

The 2005 vintage produced a low yield which provided for a highly concentrated and aromatic vintage. The Viognier was cold soaked on the skins prior to pressing. Cold fermented to retain the fresh fruit intensity, the aromas are full of bright grapefruit and pineapple notes.

The wine is crisp, fresh, and is highlighted by citrus and peach flavors. The wine pairs well with seafood, especially shellfish, as well as spicy Asian dishes.

Though the 2005 vintage is sold out, the 2006 vintage shows the same promise and is currently available.

King Family Vineyards is conveniently located just 15 minutes west of Charlottesville in Crozet, VA, less than two miles from Exit 107 off of U.S. Interstate 64. The tasting room, winery and gift shop are open daily Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Additional information may be obtained by calling 434- 823-7800 or by visiting the Vineyards’ website, www.kingfamilyvineyards.com.


PVCC’S Nursing Program Earns Highest Re-accredition

Piedmont Virginia Community College’s nursing program has earned an eight-year re-accreditation, the highest possible, from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The achievement comes as PVCC plans its May 11 “pinning” ceremony in which 81 students will receive their Associate in Applied Science degrees in Nursing and the traditional PVCC nursing lapel pin.

This is the largest nursing graduating class on record for the college and a 42 percent increase in nursing graduates compared to last spring. Only those institutions of higher education that demonstrate the uppermost national standards of nursing education earn the eight-year re- accreditation.

PVCC’s nursing program earned its initial accreditation in 1982. The formal process scrutinizes curriculum effectiveness, quality of classroom and clinical learning environments, the expertise and credentials of faculty and administration, students’ academic achievement, and numerous other criteria to ensure compliance with national standards.

In addition to rigorous classroom work, students enrolled in PVCC’s associate degree in nursing program take their clinical assignments at such local acute- and long-term care facilities as the Martha Jefferson Hospital, University of Virginia Health System, Kluge Children’s Rehabilitation Center, Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge, The Colonnades and others. Graduates of the program are prepared to take care of patients in hospitals or long-term care facilities. After earning their degree, graduates are eligible to take the national licensing exam to become a registered nurse (RN). The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission is fully recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the national organization that coordinates accreditation activity in the U.S. PVCC’s nursing program also is accredited by the Virginia State Board of Nursing.


Area Investment Firm Given Top Award by Money Manager Review

In the world of professional investing, the measuring stick of a firm’s performance is not just its long-term ability to beat the market, but also how it stacks up against fellow investment firms across the country.

For the second time in three years, local investment firm Darrell & King has achieved a number one ranking among national money managers. Darrell & King was recently named the top U.S. balanced money manager as measured by seven- year annualized returns for the period ending Dec. 31, 2006, as determined by Money Manager Review, an independent publisher that tracks, analyzes, and ranks the performance of more than 800 money management firms nationwide.

For the same time period, Darrell & King ranked number three among U.S. equity multi-cap blend money managers. Darrell & King is no stranger to being ranked at or near the top. Money Manager Review has found Darrell & King to be among the top three U.S. balanced managers and U.S. equity multi-cap blend managers for each of the last three calendar years.

Darrell & King is an independent investment management firm that provides asset management services and investment counsel to wealthy individuals and families as well as foundations, endowments and select institutions. The firm has built its business on commitment and dedication to client goals and a proven ability to identify opportunities through a disciplined investment process. The firm has a 31-year track record and was originally founded by Jack Darrell. Learn more about Darrell & King at www.darrellandking.com.


GE Fanuc Presents Gift to Thomas Jefferson Area Food Bank

The Asian Pacific American Forum (APAF), a group of 30 employees from GE Fanuc in Charlottesville, recently held a raffle of donated gifts. From the event, the group was able to raise $281 for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network.

APAF co-leads, Sudhakar Reddy and Xin (Shawn) Liao, presented the check to Mark Hackley of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network at the Royal Indian Restaurant in Charlottesville, March 15. GE Fanuc and its employees have supported the Food Bank’s Thomas Jefferson Branch with volunteers, food drives and financial support for many years.


UVA Curry School of Education Cites Outstanding Teacher

The University of Virginia Curry School of Education has selected Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) Preschool Director Ellen Dietrick as the 2007 recipient of the "Outstanding Elementary School Teacher" award.

The honor is bestowed upon a Curry School graduate who has made significant contributions through their teaching. Dietrick is the Director and a teacher at CBI Preschool, roles she has held since 2000. The Curry School award recognizes Dietrick for accomplishments in the following areas: Excellence in Teaching, Professional Stature, Dedicated Service, and Student Welfare.

Dietrick received the honor at an Awards Luncheon. Dietrick was previously recognized as an exemplary classroom educator in 2005 as a winner of the the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education.

CBI Preschool currently serves 55 local families with classes for students aged two to six. The developmental curriculum supports the growth of young children and encourages an interest in learning by promoting independence, building self-esteem, stimulating creativity, and developing problem-solving skills.

Congregation Beth Israel was established in 1882. Numbering over 400 households, CBI, a member of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), welcomes a diverse membership reflecting the variety of the community.


Central Virginia Waterproofing Wins AGCVA- Piedmont District Subcontractor of the Year

Central Virginia Waterproofing, Inc. has recently been awarded the prestigious Subcontractor of the Year award by the Associated General Contractors of Virginia (AGCVA)-Piedmont District. This was the first year the Piedmont chapter has given the award, and it was presented at the AGCVA Piedmont District’s February dinner meeting.

The AGCVA honored both a Subcontractor of the Year and an Associate of the Year, however, only General Contractors were able to vote for Subcontractor of the Year. Both General Contractors and Subcontractors voted for Associate of the Year.

Twenty-two subcontractors were nominated, based on the following criteria: Safety, Job Performance, Reliability, Timeliness and Participation in AGC Events. The Associated General Contractors of Virginia, Inc. is the largest and most influential construction trade organization in the state. It comprises more than 740 member firms including general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers and service providers. Their membership includes more general contractors and subcontractors than any other construction trade association in Virginia.

The AGC of Virginia was founded more than 80 years ago. It is divided into 11 districts across the state, each of which works with a regional director to plan activities including workshops, meetings, seminars, networking opportunities and events in that area. The AGC of Virginia is a part of the Associated General Contractors of America – the oldest and largest association representing the commercial construction industry in the United States.

Central Virginia Waterproofing, Inc., in our twelfth year, is a progressive company that has a reputation built on attention to detail, quality workmanship and a steadfast insistence on the highest standards of excellence. The company has extensive experience in both commercial and residential waterproofing, dampproofing, joint sealants, deck coatings, brick and masonry water repellents, crack injection, retrofit waterproofing and consulting. Some notable jobs we have recently been a part of are the Rotunda at the University of Virginia, the John Paul Jones Arena and Monticello.


AlbemarleFamily Magazine Wins National Awards

(Los Angeles) Parenting Publications of America (PPA) gave out over 370 Editorial and Design Competition awards to 80 parenting newspapers and magazines at a banquet on March 3, 2007, the climax of the three-day PPA Annual Convention in Nashville, TN.

Charlottesville's own local parenting publication, AlbemarleFamily, was in attendance at the convention and honored with three awards for excellence:A Silver for the December 2006 cover design "Girl with hand knitted hat" by Robin Bethke, Creative Director.An editorial bronze was awarded for the News Feature "Sleeping Safely," written by Abena Foreman-Trice of UVa, a regular health columnist for AlbemarleFamily Living.Silver for the original photography in "Austrian Easter Eggs" by Robin Bethke and Jennifer Bryerton.

In business for nine years, 2007 marks an incredible expansion for AlbemarleFamily as their popular magazine has added staff to keep up with their greater than 30% annual growth. AlbemarleFamily will also debut their Make Life Fun daytrip book this year.

PPA's Editorial and Design Awards Competition recognizes excellence in journalism, photography and design achieved by publishers, editors, writers and designers at member publications. Prof. Daryl Moen of the University of Missouri School of Journalism coordinated the annual contest. A panel of 25 judges poured over 800 entries to choose the winners in each category. All judges have had significant professional experience. Open to all member publications, the competition was broken into circulation divisions: 30,000 or fewer, 30,001 to 54,999, and 55,000 and above.


Norris Joins Nielsen Builders

Michael Norris has joined Nielsen Builders, Inc. Norris, who started with the company in January, will work as a project manager out of the Charlottesville office.

He most recently worked for Connor Properties in Charlottesville as a project manager. Prior to this, Norris worked at Slades, Inc., in McLean, Va., as vice president of construction, and at BCC General Contractors, Springfield, Va., as vice president. Norris attended Northern Virginia Community College.

Joseph Nielsen founded J. Nielsen & Co. in 1908. Today, Nielsen Builders, Inc., employs more than 230 people with the expertise to offer a broad range of project delivery systems from program management, construction management, and general contracting to design/build, and consulting services. With offices in Harrisonburg, Va., and Charlottesville, Va., Nielsen Builders, Inc., is comprised of two divisions, Nielsen Management Group and Nielsen Construction Company. Nielsen is recognized as a premier construction organization serving clients within the commonwealth of Virginia.


McClung Selects Employee of the Year

Pat Knight, a graphic designer, won the highly coveted Edmond McCutcheon Award. The honor is presented annually to the McClung Employee of the Year to memorialize the loyalty and dedication of its namesake to the company.

Established in 1995, the award is based on recommendations from fellow workers. “Receiving the Edmond McCutcheon Award is a testament to Pat’s loyalty and dedication,” noted Sheila Southall, prepress coordinator. “Her veteran experience continues to be a stabilizing presence for McClung and our clients.”

She has cultivated many long-term relationships with clients who appreciate her help in achieving a pleasing finished product. Knight has been involved in McClung’s United Way fund drive for many years and has previously served as TQM (quality management) rep for the department. Knight has worked 14 years at McClung and has 19 years of graphic design experience.

With over 60 years of craftsmanship and service, McClung Companies serves the graphic design, printing and communication needs of western, central and northern Virginia.


Bethany Christian Services, a not for profit adoption agency, here in Charlottesville, was graciously awarded a $5,000 grant from the Bama Works Fund in the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation. We are excited to use these financial resources to expand our service to the community through further development of our Adoption Resource Library.

Specifically, we will be purchasing a computer for on- line research, as well as education, training and tutorials. We will also expand our reading and media resources to increase usefulness to the community.

Through the provision of adoption services to local and surrounding communities, we have the prime opportunity to educate and prepare families to adopt domestically, internationally and from the foster care system. The library includes books and materials on family/parenting, trans-racial adoption, international adoption, infertility, special needs children, and understanding the needs of adopted children, to name a few. We also have adoption resources designed for children.

The Adoption Resource Library is located at Bethany of Charlottesville, 1924 Arlington Boulevard, Suite 101, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903. Telephone (434) 979- 9631.