Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance Blog

By now you’ve probably heard about the terrible fire at Sal’s by Victor and the 48 employees who are suddenly without a job.  For those who would like to help, a fire fund account at Chesapeake Bank has been set up for the employees and their families.

If you’d like to make a dontation you can do so in person at any Chesapeake Bank branch, or by mailing the dontation to the bank, attention Sal’s by Victor Fire Fund, 1229 Lafayette St., Suite 202, Williamsburg, VA 23185. Checks should be made payable to the Sal’s by Victor Fire Fund.

Also at this years Block Party all proceeds for the raffle prize (donated by ACE Peninsual Hardware) will go toward the Sal’s by Victor Fire Fund. So come out and have a great time with you fellow Alliance members and give back to your community.

Special thanks and kudos to our wonderful firefighters who risked their lives and did so much to minimize the damage. Thanks also to everyone in the Human Services Department for doing everything they can to help the employees in the aftermath.

Beginning this month, Meg O. Wagner-Diggs, founder and Principle of Centric Solutions, Inc., will be contributing a monthly article for our Business Education & Counseling page.  Looking for advice, hints and updates on Human Resource matter, look for this monthly piece from Meg. 

Be sure to check out this month’s article: “Are You Overwhelmed Trying to Find Qualified Help?”

Centric Solutions, Inc. is in the organizational and strategy business.  They assist for-profits, not-for-profits and individuals assess needs and develop creative solutions targeted to meet their unique requirements.  Areas they focus on are: Human Resource Management, Safety, Risk Management, Security and Registered Parliamentarian Services. 

Meg O. Wagner-Diggs, PHR, the founder and Principle, has 15 years experience working in human resources, safety, security and risk management as a consultant and in corporate human resource management. Meg is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and serves on the board of Richmond SHRM and Easter Seals Virginia.  She is a frequent contributor to the Richmond Times Dispatch and SHRM publications. 

Meg can be reached at mwagner-diggs@centricsolutions4u.com.

Hi there, everyone! 

This morning, the Alliance upgraded the America’s Historic Triangle display at the East Coast Gateway Welcome Center (located on I-64 East, at milemarker 213) by updating the attractions listing and installing two new brochure racks.  These racks can hold about a box of our America’s Historic Triangle brochures each — totaling 720 altogether!  Needless to say, we are well represented at this welcome center — which sees thousands of visitors each day!  Please scroll below for pictures of the display — and try to stop by the center if you’re in the area!

More than 30 members of the Historic Triangle’s visual and performing arts community participated in the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance’s June 2nd Creative Arts Business Workshop and netwworking session, which was supported by a grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Topics included the economic impact of the creative arts; marketing concepts, publicity and promotional opportunities; and initiatives such as the Discover the Arts in Greater Williamsburg brochure and web site, www.williamsburgcc.com. Presentations were followed by group discussions about expanding awareness of the Historic Triangle arts community.

Group Brainstorming session about how to promote the arts in our community.

Bob Harris served as Master of Ceremonies for the Arts Workshop

Stephanie Slocum, College of William & Mary speaks to arts Community about Economic Development and Marketing

Alliance President Dick Schreiber discusses Kaines fight for James River Ferries on WVEC 13. Watch video here

Be Environmentally Friendly: It’s Easy and Cost-Effective  

Climate change and diminishing resources dominate the news these days so small business owners look for ways to make their operations environmentally friendly. In this challenging economy start with simple steps; recycle soda cans and turn off unnecessary lights.  There are many ways you can make a significant difference without a lot of effort or expense.   According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program (www.energystar.gov), on a per square foot basis, cutting energy waste can typically save as much money and prevent as much pollution for a small business as it does for a large organization—including those in leased space.  Performed properly, business-specific energy efficiency upgrades can provide a positive cash flow right from the beginning.  Some “sure energy savers” include replacing incandescent light bulbs with Energy Star-qualified compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), which cost about 75 percent less to operate, and last about 10 times longer.  Frequently and regularly changing heating and air conditioning filters and investing in regular maintenance also keeps the system operating as efficiently as possible. Making greater use of email and electronic file transfers are sure to cut down on the amount of paper your business uses.  If your business relies on incoming or outgoing faxes, a computer fax modem will enable you to exchange these documents without the need for making printed copies.  There are likely more recyclable items around your office than you realize.  Your municipal solid waste department can provide information on materials and recycling procedures.�
Another good source is the Electronic Industries Alliance’s e-Cycling Central Web site at www.eiae.org, which provides information on finding local agencies and organizations that will recycle computers and printers.  Many charities accept unwanted office furniture for repair and reuse by other businesses, organizations, schools, or charities. Purchasing products and equipment made from recycled or sustainable materials is also a good way for small businesses to do right by Mother Earth.�
According to GreenBiz.com, recycled-content products typically perform as well or better than virgin products and often are competitively priced.  When it’s time to upgrade computers or appliances, purchasing Energy Star-qualified products will ensure you’re getting the
most from every kilowatt of power.   Submit your questions to SCORE Answers at, info@scorewilliamsburg.org.    If you have questions about this or other business subjects call SCORE 757-229-6511 or email www.scorewilliamsburg.org and arrange for a free and confidential appointment with a SCORE Counselor.

These measures will benefit both the environment and your bottom line.  Don’t forget to inform your customers of your efforts, it’s the “in” thing to be green.      

HOW IS YOUR BUISNESS “GOING GREEN“                       

When it comes to collections, never assume

Business relationships are usually straightforward. You provide a product or service, and the customer pays you for it in a timely manner. But every small business owner will likely have to deal with tardy or missed payments. Don’t ignore them or assume the customer will eventually follow-through. Money owed to your business – known as receivables – cuts into your profits and complicates your cash flow.

A good collections strategy can help prevent slow payments before they become a problem, and ensure that income from aged invoices is not lost forever.

Your aim is to create a step-by-step collections process that starts by making smart credit granting decisions. And make no mistake: granting credit is exactly what your business is doing whenever you deliver a product or service without first collecting payment.

Customers are more likely to pay quickly if your invoice arrives in a timely fashion and is clear and simple. It should state explicitly, in itemized fashion, what it covers. Make it look clean and professional, and include your company logo. Cute designs may only get in the way.

Design it like a real invoice, not just a piece of paper with “amount” due typed in, and be sure it is clear how the check should be made out and where it should be sent. Including a return envelope can help. Also include a phone number and contact name for questions. Small business accounting programs such as QuickBooks can easily create your invoices. There are a number of accounting and book keeping firms that are Chamber members who can assist you.

Be consistent, mail your invoices promptly and send a reminder immediately if payment is not received by the stated due date. On long-term projects, consider progress billings.

If you do not need to press for collections, don’t use threats or emotional appeals. Phone calls are more effective than letters or emails, according to collections experts, so contact your customer directly and/or the business’ accounting department. Be polite, yet firm in asking for immediate and full payment. If a letter is necessary, it should be personalized and sent by registered mail so that you can verify its receipt should legal action be necessary.

If you have questions about this or other business subjects call SCORE 757.229.6511 or visit www.scorewilliamsburg.org and arrange for a free and confidential appointment with a SCORE Counselor.