Clapper received Applause from Haymarket Gainesville Business Association

The dining hall at Camp Snyder in Haymarket was abuzz, with business from members and guests of the Haymarket Gainesville Business Association (HGBA) during its first meeting of 2011.

Before the meeting officially started, people networked and en- joyed food and drink from A la Carte Catering. Amelia Stansell, of BB&T Bank in Haymarket, is the HGBA president. She welcomed the group and introduced Barbara McCurry of the Alzheimer's Association and Rob Clapper, the new president and chief executive officer of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.

McCurry gave an insightful presentation and shared some statistics about Alzheimers. She encouraged the group to participate in fundraisers and offered ideas about how companies can get involved in the local chapter and how her association can be of service to business members by bringing programs into the workplace.

She touted an upcorrling event; the Alzheimer's Association is sponsoring a Memory Walk on May 21, beginning at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas at 10 a.m. People are invited to walk to remember the thousands of faniilies, impacted by Alzheimers in the region.

Clapper welcomed the group and spoke about the unification of the chamber and the way it can offer a stronger advocacy voice for public policy, local, state and federal issues. Created in the summer of 2010 when the Prince William Regional and Prince William County-Manassas Greater Chamber of Commerce joined forces, this newly formed Prince William Chamber of Commerce provides a unified voice. The chamber promotes Prince William County, the City of Manassas, Manassas Park and the towns of Occoquan and Dumfries as a wonderful place to live, recreate and do business.

In October 2010, Clapper assumed the position as the inaugural president and first chief executive officer of the chamber. With more than 1,800 member businesses, it is the largest chamber of commerce in Northern Virginia and provides its members with business building programs and increased visibility for opportunities to make positive changes in the area. He talked of his experience as president of the Greensboro, N.C., Chamber-of Commerce and spoke of his vision for Prince William. Clapper, a Bristow resident, added, "We collaborate with HGBA to stay connected, and we can complement other groups. We have an opportunity to help chart a new direction for tomorrow and be part of creating an environment and community where your kids will want to come back and build their own families.

"By collaborating together, we can offer a stronger advocacy voice, and we welcome input and are open to creative ideas," he said. Many chamber members are also HGBA members, he noted.

Jas Stevenson of Haymarket recently joined HGBA. She's actively serving in the, US. Army in the National Guard and is the founder/president of Final Salute Inc., a nonprofit organization. It is designed to raise awareness of and aid the more than 13,000 homeless female veterans in the U.S. "I joined HGBA to raise awareness" of the nonprofit and its goals, Stevenson said.

Chris Pearmund of The Winery at LaGrange in Haymarket has hosted HGBA meetings at the winery. he noted its growth and lauded Stansell's efforts as president. "Amelia is so organized; this [HGBA] is her baby: She's done a great job. Now, there are over 100 members."

Clapper said making a difference means stepping up to getting involved. "You're either going to play the game and get dirty or sit in the stands. Which are you going to be?"

A local Toastmasters International group is forming a new chapter in Gainesville. Meetings will be held on the first and third Thursdays, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. at Uno's in Atlas Walk, Gainesville. Toastmasters offer people the chance to practice public speaking skills. The Prince William Chamber of Commerce, headquartered in Manassas at 9720 Capital Court in suite 203,has a Gainesville office at 7450 Heritage Village Plaza in suite 202 and a Woodbridge office at 14059 Crown Ct. The Chamber has one main phone number: 703-368-6600. The chamber's website is pwchamber.org.

HGBA meets every third Tuesday of the month from 4-6 p.m. at various locations around the area.
HGBA can be reached at 817-857- 4422. Its website, with calendar information, is www.hgba.biz.

The HGBA is the fastest growing professional association in the area; we want to hear your story. From the new meeting venues each month to expert speakers, with HGBA you will get noticed and keep you informed. Join us, and we’ll help you go places. HGBA is a 501 (c) (6) non-profit all volunteer organization. Find out more at HGBA.biz.