The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced Michelle Caldwell Thompson, owner and President of CTI Real Estate, as the 2025 Chair of the Board. The Chamber also welcomes its new board members for 2025, including George Barnick of Fredericksburg Technology, Latasha Brooks of A&B Creative Events, Chip Boyles of the George Washington Regional Commission, Barbara Gustavson of Discover Next Step, and Werner Jansen of Bloomia. Additionally, Jennifer McGovern of Parrish Snead Franklin Simpson, PLC, has been named the Chamber’s legal counsel for the upcoming year.
The board officers for 2025 include Michelle Caldwell Thompson as Chair, Ginni Matern of Matern Staffing as Vice Chair, Kevin Dillard of LifeCare Medical Transports as Immediate Past Chair, Shawn Sloan of The Media Partners as Treasurer, and Susan Garnett Spears continuing as President and CEO.
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A bright gold and purple building on Princess Anne street offers creative twists on a beloved classic - Sprelly specializes in gourmet nut butter spreads and jellies that redefine the traditional PB&J with nearly two dozen exotic flavors.
Founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife team Adrian and Casey Silversmith, Sprelly moved from the Made in Virginia store in downtown Fredericksburg to the Canal Quarter District in 2021.
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A family of handmade snowmen, a tree luminary, and hand-sculpted ornaments: Corgi Clay Art Center’s classes this month are focusing on the holidays. Corgi Clay has classes available for a wide range of ages and abilities, from teens learning to spin clay for the first time to advanced sculptors learning detailed techniques. Owner Deb Balestreri said the center is “Stafford County’s first vibrant, creative community that offers ceramics and other art classes, firing services, artist residencies, teaching and exhibition opportunities, and memberships for potters.”
Balestreri, a University of Mary Washington alum, opened Corgi Clay in 2020 after serving as the Director of Visual Arts Education at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. The center is hosting a holiday marketplace through January, featuring unique artwork, apparel, pottery, and more.
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After serving in the Navy for 10 years and working in corporate America building data centers, Dan Umpa has launched USA Ninja Challenge Stafford, an indoor obstacle course training program that combines basic skill sets from gymnastics, climbing, cross training, and track and field.
Umpa, who graduated from the Naval Academy, originally planned to open a gym. He had spent ten years working in the corporate world, building data centers, and knew this type of career didn't fit his needs for more time with his family or his active lifestyle.
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During the December 3, 2024, Dumfries Town Council meeting, frustrations surfaced over zoning challenges that have delayed the approval of a new banquet hall. Local business owners and council members called for greater clarity and consistency in the town’s zoning processes, citing delays caused by undefined regulations.
Maria Aguilera, an entrepreneur, expressed her concerns during the public hearing. “We applied to get an occupancy permit to have a banquet hall at 7650 Possum Point Drive, which was not denied, not approved, because the definition was not included,” Aguilera said. “We believe it’s a good opportunity for the community to have a place to celebrate their birthdays, weddings, and any celebration.”
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The U.S. Department of Commerce has committed up to $275 million to support Micron Technology’s expansion of its semiconductor facility in Manassas. The move aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing and secure critical supply chains. The funding comes as part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s CHIPS Incentives Program, which seeks to revitalize American leadership in chip production.
Micron’s plans call for a $2 billion investment over several years to enhance its production capabilities with 1-alpha technology, a sophisticated process for creating DRAM memory chips used in sectors like automotive and industrial manufacturing. At its peak, the project is expected to create over 400 direct jobs and as many as 2,700 related positions.
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No sound, no touch, no light: Elysian Float Spa offers a sensory deprivation spa experience to take away the stress of the holidays. Located in Fredericksburg, Elysian offers 60 minute or 90 minute float therapy sessions. Owner Debbie Elkins said float therapy has three main targets: athletic recovery, chronic pain,, and mental wellness (anxiety, depression, PTSD).
Two couples, Mark and Debbie Elkins from Stafford and Jason and Christy Ostrander met 15 years ago at a small church group. After a float spa experience in Williamsburg, Mark and Debbie told Jason, a career massage therapist, that this type of wellness experience was needed in the Fredericksburg area.
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We'll be featuring local businesses in our holiday gift-giving series. We've asked local businesses to tell us about their holidays, and to suggest gift ideas for a wide range of people.
Stafford’s Olde Virginia Gourmet recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Open since 2004, owners Sean and Annabelle Tarallo run a gourmet and gift shop that focuses on Virginia products, including wines, beers, and other gourmet specialties.
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Editor's note: This is the latest post in our Potomac Local Small Business Feature Series. We are highlighting the unique, independent businesses that contribute to the vibrancy and charm of our communities. Participating in this series is free, as it's our service to the community. Click here to complete our survey and share your story. Thank you.
For Jean Humbrecht, becoming an attorney was a lifelong ambition. "I have always wanted to be an attorney. Specifically, I always wanted to work in the field of criminal law," she shared. "I love being in court, and I love that no day is ever the same."
