News Release
Visa and F&M Bank Launch Co-Branded “Practical Business Skills” Portal to Empower Local Entrepreneurs
Timberville, VA – [October 1, 2025] – F&M Bank, in partnership with Visa, today announced the launch of a new co-branded online learning hub, F&M Bank | Practical Business Skills. This free platform provides small and micro-business owners across Virginia with access to practical, stage-based resources to help them start, manage, and grow their businesses. The initiative builds on Visa’s Practical Business Skills program, first introduced in 2019 to address high failure rates among small businesses by
Lesley A.Z. Rigney Joins Flora Pettit In Its Charlottesville Office
Flora Pettit is pleased to announce that Lesley A.Z. Rigney has joined the law firm as an attorney in its Charlottesville office. Lesley focuses her law practice in real estate, land use, community association, corporate, and business law. A native of Virginia, Lesley joins Flora Pettit with over a decade of legal experience in both litigation and transactional roles which makes her particularly well-suited to advise business clients. While the majority of her practice has involved real estate-related
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Blue Ridge Safety Association to Offer OSHA 10 for General Industry
Blue Ridge Safety Association Announces Valuable Certification Opportunity BRSA, the Shenandoah Valley's premiere not for profit safety association, is offering OSHA 10 for General Industry - an interactive in person course October 9-10th at InterChange in Mount Crawford. This valuable course emphasizes safety and health hazards that a worker may encounter - how to stay alert, aware and proactive! Casey Carwile with Design Electric is an OSHA authorized outreach trainer and will facilitate this two day
How to Maintain Steady Cash Flow While Growing Your Small Business
When you're running a small business, cash flow isn't just a financial term — it's your daily oxygen. Whether you're launching a new product, expanding your team, or simply covering overhead, staying liquid is the difference between growth and grind. Below, we break down practical, actionable tactics that help keep your cash flow steady — and your business strong. Start With the Basics: Know Where Your Money’s Going One of the first signs of unstable cash flow is not knowing your current cash
Nonprofit grant recipients report 2024 community impact
Grants to 14 area organizations in 2024-5 from The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham supported work in the areas of mental health, food pantries, animal care, and arts and culture. Approximately $159,500 was awarded from seven endowed funds managed by TCFHR. Grant applications for the 2025 cycle are in the review process, with awardees to be announced in November.Expanding Access for Mental Health Care The following organizations were supported by the Alvin V. Baird Jr. Endowed Fund,
F&M Bank Welcomes Deacon Kozel as Commercial Relationship Manager for Harrisonburg and Rockingham County
Harrisonburg, VA - F&M Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Deacon Kozel as Commercial Relationship Manager, serving Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. A Rockingham native, Kozel brings a strong educational background and deep community roots to his role. He began his academic journey at Blue Ridge Community College, graduating summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA, before continuing his studies in finance and economics at James Madison University. He is also a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the
Stephen N. Shashy Joins Flora Pettit In Its Charlottesville Office
Flora Pettit is pleased to announce that Stephen N. Shashy has joined the law firm as an attorney in its Charlottesville office. Steve specializes in tax law, drawing on experience in both private practice and government service to represent individuals, businesses, trusts and estates, and non-profit organizations in tax controversies and advise them on questions of planning and compliance. Steve’s tax controversy work involves engaging with federal and state taxing authorities in administrative proceedings
Community Foundation board members mark six years of service
Attorney Matthew Sunderlin and retired bank professional Charles Martorana have ended their service on the board of The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham. The board consists of 16 community representatives bringing experience and expertise in many different areas. They guide the foundation’s work and hold an important role as fiduciaries for the organization’s operations and financial health. “Working alongside Matt Sunderlin and Charlie Martorana has been my distinct privilege for the
Victory for Virginia Solar as State Corporation Commission Preserves APCo Net Metering
Virtue Solar, a leading solar installation company in Virginia, has released a new blog post titled "Victory for Virginia Solar: Net Metering Preserved!" analyzing the State Corporation Commission's landmark ruling on Appalachian Power's net metering proposal issued August 29, 2025.The comprehensive article examines the SCC's decision to largely reject Appalachian Power's proposed changes that would have reduced compensation for solar customers by approximately 70%. The ruling preserves the current net
What the “Big Beautiful Bill” Means for Solar in Virginia
Virtue Solar, a leading solar installation company in Virginia, has released a new blog post titled “What the “Big Beautiful Bill” Means for Solar in Virginia”. It explores the implications of the recent "One Big Beautiful Bill" on the solar industry, particularly for Virginia residents. Signed into law on July 4th, 2025, this significant piece of energy legislation introduces several changes to solar tax credits and incentives, impacting timelines and options for both residential and commercial solar
Solar Tax Credits may be going away - Virtue Solar
Virtue Solar, a trusted local solar installer serving Central Virginia since 2015, has published a new blog post explaining important developments in Congress that could significantly affect the federal solar tax credit. The post outlines proposed changes in the Senate that would shorten the timeline for claiming the 30% federal tax credit—especially for homeowners. Under the current bill, residential solar systems would only be eligible for the credit up to 180 days after the legislation is signed into
Reviving Human Connection in Digital Commerce
In the not-so-distant past, a business transaction often came with a smile, a shared moment, maybe even a conversation about the weather or the kids. But the growing dominance of touchscreens, chatbots, and home-office routines has dulled those sparks. Small businesses—the ones built on trust, neighborhood familiarity, and human presence—now face a digital frost. The irony is stark: as the world becomes more connected by technology, the emotional distance between buyers and sellers keeps expanding. For
What Do Watts, Kilowatts, and Kilowatt-Hours Really Mean for Solar?
New Blog: What Do Watts, Kilowatts, and Kilowatt-Hours Really Mean for Solar?If you're looking into solar for your home, you've probably come across numbers like “10kW system” or “produces 12,000 kWh per year.” And if those numbers feel a bit abstract, you’re not alone. We’ve been installing quality solar in Virginia since 2015, and just published a new article to break it all down in plain English. It covers the basics—what a watt is, how kilowatts and kilowatt-hours are different, and why it matters
Dominion Energy’s NEM 2.0 Proposal: What It Means for Solar in Virginia
Virtue Solar, a leading solar installation company serving Harrisonburg, VA, has released a new blog post discussing critical proposed changes to Virginia's net metering policy by Dominion Energy. As a company committed to building high-quality solar systems, Virtue Solar highlights the significant implications of these changes for homeowners looking to install solar, as well as commercial solar customers The blog explains the fundamentals of net metering, which currently allows solar energy producers to
Reach New Milestones by Harnessing Expert Sales and Marketing Insights
In today’s competitive business environment, identifying and utilizing the right expertise is crucial for growth. Success in sales and marketing goes beyond having a strong product or service; it requires strategically addressing gaps with the right professionals. Finding these experts can significantly impact your business's trajectory. This article provides practical steps to help you make informed decisions in hiring external experts. Learn how to enhance your strategies and drive your business
