New_Logo_GOOD VERSION

Your November Monthly Newsletter from the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce
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On behalf of everyone at the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce, we would like to wish a very happy Veterans Day to all those who have served or are serving. Thank you for serving our country and protecting our freedoms.

Mark Your Calendar for these Upcoming Chamber Events!

Not a Chamber member?
Now is the PERFECT time to join!
New members, join between now and December 31 and receive 2 - 3 months free (one-year Chamber membership renews in January).
Chamber members, recommend Chamber membership to a friend, business partner, or colleague. If they join, you receive $50 for the first 5 referrals and $100 per referred member thereafter.
Join Us  
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HBC Realty Group's Community Charity Champions Fundraiser to Support McLean Youth Lacrosse

November 12, 2013

A fundraiser for McLean Youth Lacrosse has been announced by HBC Realty Group's (Keller Williams Realty) Community Charity Champions. Come to dinner on Tuesday, November 12th, 2013 from 5 to 8pm at Pulcinella Italian Host in McLean to support McLean Youth Lacrosse. Enjoy dinner and know that approximately 70% of the proceeds from food and drink will go to the charity, as long as the diner brings the flyer for the event.  Contact HBC Realty Group at 703-734-0192 or visit www.HBCRealtyGroup.com to receive a flyer.

HBC Realty 5:00 until 8:00 pm

Pulcinella Italian Host 
6852 Old Dominion Dr. 
McLean, VA 22101

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Good Morning McLean -- November Chamber Breakfast!
Sponsored by Middleburg Bank

November 14, 2013
MiddleburgBank

The topic of this month's breakfast will be "Your Financial Health:Taking Care of You Today."  
The discussion will focus on the things Chamber members can do today to help themselves, their families, and their businesses.

Panelists include: 
  • Justin Holtz, CFP�; Principal at Vintage Wealth. Topics include: IRA's (Traditional and Roth), SEP-IRA's, SIMPLE IRA's, other employer sponsored retirement plans, life and disability income insurance, long-term care insurance, college savings, etc.
  • Jessica Pannell, Esq.; Partner at Conway & Pannell, PC. Topics include: Wills, durable powers of attorney, advance health directives, liability protection, asset transfers, etc.
  • Wesley Clark, CPA; Director of Audit and Management Accounting at Frank & Company, PC. Topics include: Year-end planning for individuals and small businesses, charitable planning, etc.
The session will be moderated by Bill DuBose, CFP, from Vintage Wealth.

7:30 until 9:00 am

J. Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks and Seafood

 

6930 Old Dominion Drive 
McLean, VA 22101 
(703) 893-1034

Chamber members $20 
Future members $30 
At the door add $5


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Bike Rack Dedication Ceremony

November 14, 2013

Greenberry's Coffee Shop
6839 Redmond Dr
McLean
(703) 821-9500

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Real Estate Education Series -- 2014 Radon and Home Inspection Addendum 
Presented by Suellen Wohlfarth, VP, Annandale Mortgage Production Manager, SunTrust Mortgage
 
November 14, 2013 SunTrust Mortgage

DPOR Class Name/Credits Applied 
Name: 2014 Radon and Home Inspection Addendum 
Credit Category:
  • CE: 1 hr TBD
  • PL: 1 hr TBD
Name: Nuances of the Virginia Jurisdictional Addendum (update for 2014) 
Credit Category:
  • CE: 1 hr Contract
  • PL: 1 hr Elective
11:00 am until 1:00 pm

The Greek Taverna
6828 Old Dominion Dr.
McLean, VA 22101
(703) 556-0788

$15 Chamber members
$25 Future members

More Information
Register Now

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Sun Gazette Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

November 18, 2013


Join us for a ribbon cutting and a brief tour as we celebrate Sun Gazette's new McLean location. 
4:30 until 5:30 pm

6704 Old McLean Dr.
Suite 200
McLean, Va 22101 
It's 5:30 Somewhere -- Promoting Your Business After Hours

November 20, 2013

Join us on Wednesday, November 20 for our monthly after-hours mixer, "It's 5:30 Somewhere--Promoting Your Business After Hours." This month's event will be held at Cardinal Bank. "Promoting Your Business After Hours" is a great opportunity to make new connections, reconnect with friends and colleagues, and support the important work of the McLean Chamber. We hope you'll join us for drinks, appetizers, and networking. Don't forget your business cards!

5:30 until 7:30 pm

Cardinal Bank McLean Branch
1313 Dolley Madison Blvd #100
McLean
(703) 356-6060

Chamber members FREE
Future members $20

More Information
Register Now
 
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Small Business Education Series 
Sponsored by Burke & Herbert Bank 
Topic: Marketing Your Business

November 21, 2013

7:30 until 9:00 am

Burke & Herbert Bank McLean Branch
6705 Whittier Avenue 
McLean, VA

Chamber members $10
Future members $15 

More Information
Register Now
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McLean WinterFest -- CHAMBER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! WinterFest

December 1, 2013

The Chamber is currently looking for volunteers to assist on the day of the parade. Volunteers will serve as crowd controllers, parade marshals or other jobs identified by the Steering Committee. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Marianne Polito at mpolito@mcleanchamber.org.  
Other Ways Chamber Members Can Participate:
In addition to volunteering, Chamber members can participate in WinterFest by: As in year's past, Share, Inc. is the WinterFest beneficiary. As such, businesses and organizations can provide cash, gift cards or items for the food pantry.

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Good Morning McLean! December Chamber Breakfast 
Sponsored by Middleburg Bank 
Topic: TBA

December 5, 2013
*Please note, this month's breakfast will occur the first Thursday in December instead of the second Thursday, as normally scheduled.

7:30 until 9:00 am

J. Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks
and Seafood
6930 Old Dominion Drive
MiddleburgBank McLean, VA 22101
(703) 893-1034

More Information
Register Now

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Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce ReinDog Parade

December 7, 2013

Join us for the 17th Annual Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce ReinDog Parade!

Emceed by PEGGY FOX WUSA 9 News, community member and featuring celebrity judges, including Supervisor John Foust.   

Dress up your pooch up and parade for prizes!!!This fun holiday event includes photos with Santa and gift bags from sponsors. 

8:00 until 9:30 am

Langley Shopping Center 
Chain Bridge Road 
McLean

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2013 Annual Meeting & Holiday Party

December 11, 2013

Join us at Chain Bridge Bank as we close out a great year! This will be our final after-hours mixer for 2013.

Chain Bridge Bank
5:30 until  
7:30 pm

Chain Bridge Bank 
1445 Laughlin Ave  
 McLean, VA 22101

Chamber members FREE 
Future members $20

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Small Business Education Series 
Sponsored by Burke & Herbert Bank 
Topic: Communication Planning

December 19, 2013

7:30 until 9:00 am

Burke & Herbert Bank McLean Branch
6705 Whittier Avenue 
McLean, VA

Chamber members $10
Future members $15

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Chamber Committee Meetings 

 

Please contact the Chamber member below if you are interested in volunteering for any of the following Chamber committees. The star denotes a committee that is especially in need of members. 

 

Membership Committee Co-Chairs 

Zibby Koppelman 

zibby@novagoldllc.com

 

Andrew Surine

asurine@mtb.com 

 

Program Committee

Sheri Sylvester

sheri@adzig.com

 

Community Service Committee

George Sachs 

george.sachs
@fairfaxcounty.gov

 

Legislative Committee 

Marcus Simon

MPC Representative

msimon@ekkotitle.com

 

Non-Profit Committee 

Members of the M&T Bank Team 

 

Suits and Sneakers Committee Co-Chairs 

John Brough

jbrough
@chainbridgebank.com

 

Joe Mastaler

JMastaler@pbmares.com   

 

Golf Committee

Rick Makely 

James.makely.jr@giantfood.com  

 

Women's Leadership Forum
Currently seeking a Chairperson. If interested, contact Marcia Twomey

mtwomey@mcleanchamber.org 

Welcome

The Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce Welcomes the Following  

New Members! 

Paragon Home Care LLC
703-942-8950
Contact: Juan Tuason

The Fratkin Broussard Team at Morgan Stanley
703-556 - 8108
Contact: Germaine Broussard

TWD ESS Services, LLC
703-917-6634
Contact: Marlon Phillips

Peacock Law Firm, PLC
 703-992-9205
Contact: Laura Sheehan

SenCura
703-880-2547
Contact: Cliff Glier and
Kristin Cabral (703-434-9784)

Kristin Cabral
(703) 434-9784

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation
Contact: John Landry
(703) 447-5197

Treasure Trove of McLean
Contact: Geraldine Shaw
(703) 356-8704

Marianne Prendergast & Associates
Contact: Bill Prendergast
(703) 873-5155

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news
McLean Bike Rack Project Underway!
Bike hitches like these are popping up all over McLean!
As you are out and about around town, be sure to check out the new bike racks that are popping up all over McLean. The Chamber collaborated with Supervisor Faust and various community businesses to launch this project, designed to encourage bike friendly initiatives. The project was made possible by a grant from 495 Expressways.



Bike hitches outside of Giant
Bike hitches outside of Giant

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ALERT FROM FAIRFAX WATER: Impersonator Claiming to be Fairfax Water Employee Robbing Residences


This past July and again in October, someone claiming to be a Fairfax Water employee attempted to enter residents' homes. The impersonator knocked on the door claiming to be with Fairfax Water and needing to check something in the victim's backyard. When the victim is in the backyard with the impersonator, an unseen suspect entered the residence and took cash.  Similar incidents occurred in Prince William County and in Bel Air and Prince George's County, Maryland.
 
Fairfax Water asks you to be vigilant and follow these safety tips to protect your home and family:
  • Fairfax Water employees have photo identification with them at all times when they are on the job and our vehicles and field staff's clothing bear our logo. If someone comes to your door and identifies themselves as a Fairfax Water employee, always ask for their identification or call 703-698-5800, TTY 711, to verify before letting them into your home.
  • Fairfax Water employees do not receive or accept any form of payments during service calls and do not collect water-service fees door-to-door.
  • Most water meters are located outside of a customer's home so Fairfax Water employees typically DO NOT require access to a customer's home to read a meter. 
If you have any questions about Fairfax Water's services or their employees, please call Fairfax Water at 703-698-5800, TTY 711.

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Focus Group Opportunity for Older Adults

Georgetown Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry are conducting a research project to learn how older people use FDA regulated products to age in place. They are looking for people to participate in a two-hour focus group session to explore ideas about products that support aging at home. The discussion will explore where people get information about home-use, products and devices as well as the level of trust in the information received from doctors and other sources. There will be a $30 gift card for focus groups participants.  If you are interested, please contact:
 
Pamela. A. Saunders, Ph.D.
Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry
email: saunderp@georgetown.edu
phone: 202.784.4771

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Sun Design Remodeling's 25th Anniversary Celebration

Join Sun Design Remodeling for their 25th Anniversary Celebration! The event will be held at the George Mason Inn Boxwoods Restaurant (4352 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030) from 5:00 until 8:00 pm on Thursday, November 14, 2013. There will be great music, great hors d'oeuvres, and, most importantly, great people. RSVP to Kely Ta at (703) 425-5588 or kely@sundesigninc.com.

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American Legion Post 270 to Sponsor Citrus Sales

American Legion Post 270, 1355 Balls Hill Road in McLean will sponsor it's 25th annual citrus sales on 15-16 November at the Post Home. Profits from the sale go to the charitable activities of the Post to include Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children and Youth activities. Other sale dates include 13-14 December, 17-18 January, 14-15 February, and 14-15 March. Vice Commander, Tom Lukas, leads the sales team. The Citrus rapidly sell out because of the price and quality.


Break Out Your 2014 Calendars,
and Save the Date for This Signature Chamber Event!

Women's Leadership Forum: April 29, 2014

...more dates coming soon; stay tuned!

congrats

McLean Insurance Raises $20,000 for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at Carz Cruizin Event

 

Hundreds of spectators and special interest vehicle owners gathered in Potomac Falls, Virginia, on a beautiful Sunday in September, to raise $20,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to fight blood cancer. The third annual Carz Cruizin to Cure Cancer is a yearly fundraiser presented by the McLean Insurance Agency, that featured over 100 classic, antique, sports and custom cars, trucks and motorcycles which were on display and judged by a highly experienced group of concours judges.

 

McLean Insurance Agency, with the help of numerous volunteers and sponsors, organizes the annual event to honor the memory of its founder, Henry C. Megill, Jr. who battled a rare form of lymphoma for several years before passing away in 1990. Each year, funds raised by Carz Cruizin to Cure Cancer are donated to help the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which is the world's largest voluntary (non-profit) health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services.  


In addition to the car competition, vehicle displays included the Trusted Choice custom motorcycle, built by Orange County Choppers on the Discovery channel's hit TV show American Chopper, to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The chopper is on a nationwide tour and will be auctioned in January 2014 to benefit Make-A-Wish.



CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE ELECTION WINNERS!

For a complete list of the races and their outcomes, check out this coverage by the Connection Newspapers, or this analysis by the Sun Gazette.
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An Employment Primer Courtesy of General Counsel, P.C.


For many employers, employment laws can be confusing and overwhelming. To help eliminate the confusion, below are some tips for preventing discrimination, from General Counsel, P.C.
 
Age Discrimination: The Age Discrimination in Employment Act ("ADEA") prohibits age discrimination against "people" who are age 40 or older and is applicable to employers with 20 or more employees (note, state/local laws will cover smaller employers).  The age of a ghost, goblin, ghoul or zombie will have to be determined on a case by case basis.  A zombie, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is "a dead person who is able to move because of magic" or who has been "supernaturally reanimated."  Accordingly, zombies could be covered if 40 years of age or more.

Disability Discrimination: The Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals because such individual has a physical or mental condition that substantially limits a major life activity, has a history of a disability, or is believed to have a physical or mental impairment that is not transitory.  Further, the ADA requires an employer to provide a reasonable accommodation to an employee or job applicant unless doing so would cause an undue hardship.  And, finally, the ADA also prohibits discrimination based on a person's relationship with a person with a disability.  As relevant to ghosts, goblins, ghouls and zombies, the ADA is a Stephen King novel waiting to be written.  Would a ghost be covered under the ADA?  Merriam-Webster defines a ghost as "the soul of a dead person thought of as living . . . or appearing to living people."  Personally, when I think of ghosts, I think of Casper (my favorite Halloween costume for about 5 years (as a child)) or the ghosts in Ghostbusters.  It is arguable that neither Casper or the Ghostbuster ghosts would be a "qualified individual with a disability."  Ghosts merely float around and may not be able to utilize a keyboard for typing or other essential functions of a job.  Depending on the essential functions of the job and the size of your company, a ghost could be covered by the ADA and an individualized assessment will have be to done to determine whether reasonable accommodation is appropriate.  The ADA could also protect Zombies if an employer "believes" that the Zombie has a disability.  Whenever I see Zombies, they always appear to have missing body parts or other decay.  Even if this does not rise to the level of an actual disability, employers need to be careful if they "regard" the Zombie as having a disability.

Genetic Information Discrimination: The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 ("GINA"), prohibits genetic information discrimination.  This offers real protection for goblins and ghouls.  Merriam-Webster defines a goblin as "an ugly and sometimes evil creature that likes to cause trouble."  A ghoul is "an evil creature . . . that robs graves and eats dead bodies."  Under GINA, genetic information includes information about an individual's genetic tests, the genetic tests of a family member, as well as information about the manifestation of a disease or disorder in an individual's family members.  Now, goblins and ghouls are clearly defined as "evil creatures."  Goblins are also ugly.  It is not the purpose of this article to speculate on the cause of goblins and ghouls condition -- but, as employers, if a non-goblin/ghoul employee has a goblin/ghoul family history, that family history should be excluded/ignored when making employment decisions.

Religious Discrimination: Freedom from religious discrimination is part of the protections provided by Title VII.  Religious discrimination involves treating a person unfavorably because of his/her religious beliefs (or who he/she is married to).  Title VII requires an employer to reasonably accommodate an employee's religious beliefs or practices, unless doing so would cause more than a minimal burden on the operations of the employer's business.  Accordingly, if a Zombie was practicing magic or other Zombie related practices, this could, for purposes of this article, trigger Title VII protections.  That being said, if the Zombie's behavior included seeking to make other employees "undead,"  that is definitely a burden on an employer's business (unless, of course, they no longer needed sleep and could no longer be injured on the job, but that just raises issues with the Fair Labor Standards Act and Occupational Safety and Health Act. . . .).

Practical Counsel: Every employer gets frustrated and believes that their employees are evil creatures (see definition of Goblin and Ghouls).  All employees often believe that their employees are possessed (see definition of Zombie).  And, of course, with the coming and going of employees, they can be Ghosts. . . .  Our lesson, today on Halloween and always, is to treat all employees equally.  Don't make employment decisions based on differentiating factors without careful analysis of employment laws (and consultation with employment counsel).
 
With strong policies, good communication, and thoughtful decisions, employment law does not need to be scary -- even if your employees are sometimes ghosts, goblins, ghouls or zombies.
 
If you have any questions about this article, need help with employment decisions, or any other legal matter, please contact Merritt Green, Managing Partner and Chair of General Counsel, P.C.'s Labor and Employment Practice Group at mgreen@gcpc.com or (703) 556-0411.

"Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, 'What's in it for me?'"
~Brian Tracy

We Want You
WE WANT YOU!
Members Wanted!  Established Chamber seeks forward-thinking individuals to join our team of dedicated, active professionals.  You need US to help promote and grow your business. We need YOU to further develop a vital, thriving business community in the McLean, Tysons Corner and Great Falls. All Welcome. Will train!
     
Call (703) 356-5424 

2013 SPONSORS


Chairman's Circle

capbank    




Executive Circle
Chain Bridge Bank  Edward Jones Logo

   JBG Companies M&T Bank  RLM CPA      



Director's Circle

EKKO Title  GCPC Logo 



Leadership Circle
AdZig       HBC Realty
 MiddleburgBank Seasons52 SunTrust Mortgage Moore Cadillac PBMares  


Media Partners
Fairfax County Times   Sun Gazette Logo
WBJ

Technology Partner
WhiteHorse

  

New_Logo_GOOD VERSION About the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce

The Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce enhances the local business community by giving professionals an opportunity to get connected. Founded nearly fifty years ago, originally as a Business and Professionals Association, the Chamber has evolved into a substantial organization ranked as one of the top 20 Chambers in the Metropolitan Region. For more information about the Chamber, please call 703-356-5424, email info@mcleanchamber.org, or visit our website at www.mcleanchamber.org.