Member Community News
Chamber Members share events, sales and promos
REC, through its subsidiary BrilliT, continues to set the standard for utility innovation, earning national recognition for its groundbreaking achievements in data analytics and technology solutions.
The Utility Analytics Institute (UAI) recently honored the BrilliT-led team with three prestigious awards, highlighting their industry leadership: Best Innovative Utility Analytics Team, Best Utility Analytics Leader and Top 25 Thought Leader in Utility Analytics.​​​
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Left to right: Hesen Peng, Senior Data Scientist; Anthony Cerrato, Data Engineer; Josh Lugo, Business Intelligence & Analytics Engineer; Ayla Choudhery, Data Analyst; Eugene Hamrick, Director - Enterprise Analytics & Innovation
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Historic Germanna to Commemorate 300th Anniversary of First Spotsylvania County Courthouse
Locust Grove, VA – August 27, 2024
On Saturday September 7, at 10:00am, Historic Germanna will hold a special event to mark the 300th anniversary of the Spotsylvania County Courthouse. Led by Germanna Archaeologists, this event will offer a rare opportunity to explore the early days of Colonial Virginia's legal system and the critical role courthouses played in the lives of its residents.
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On September 1, 1724, a case was heard in the newly constructed Spotsylvania Courthouse, built under the direction of Alexander Spotswood. This case involved Sawney, a Saponi man who traveled from Canada to Germanna to deliver an important message. The events surrounding Sawney’s visit have echoed through history. Visitors will hear the original testimonies of Germanna’s residents as they recount the events of Sawney’s visit, providing a unique perspective on the British Colonial legal system and its impact on the diverse peoples of Germanna.
Experience history firsthand on the grounds where these events unfolded 300 years ago. This event goes beyond a traditional history lesson; being at the site of the courthouse and Spotswood's Germanna home offers a unique connection to the past and the deep, though often overlooked, Indigenous connections that have shaped this region's history.
The event begins at 10 am at the Historic Germanna Visitor Center for an introduction and continues at the archaeological site of Alexander Spotswood's former home, now known as The Enchanted Castle, where attendees will delve into the significance of court houses and “court days” in colonial life. After the program, guests can walk approximately 300 feet to the nearby site believed to be the original Spotsylvania Courthouse, where Sawney’s deposition took place. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to view the ongoing excavations and connect directly with this pivotal moment in history.
This is a not-to-be-missed event for anyone interested in history, archaeology, and the legacy of Germanna's early inhabitants. Join Historic Germanna to reflect on the courthouse's enduring impact on the community and the rich Indigenous history that continues to influence Germanna’s story. This event is generously funded in part by grants from Virginia Humanities, and Dominion Energy and the Virginia Museum of History and Culture.
About Historic Germanna
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Chartered in 1956 to preserve the heritage of the earliest organized settlements of Germans in Virginia, in 2023, our nonprofit rebranded as Historic Germanna to reflect a significantly expanded focus on the lives of Indigenous peoples, English Colonists, descendants of early German immigrants, and African American communities in the Germanna region. Our programs span outdoor recreation and conservation, education, archaeology, historic preservation, genealogy, and tourism. Today, we are about uncovering and deepening our understanding of the past through archaeological digs, nature trails, research, dynamic education programs and events, exhibits, and more.
Historic Germanna is working toward a future in which the Germanna region is widely recognized as a unique place that connects diverse stories through shared heritage and cultural and environmental significance, fostering a sense of belonging, learning, and inspiration for all
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Sites under our stewardship include:
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Historic Germanna Germanna Visitor Center, Research Library & Memorial Garden
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Siegen Forest Recreational Trail System & Rapidan River Public Access
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Hitt Archaeology Center and Archaeological Sites 1714 Fort Germanna
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​1714 Fort Germanna
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Enchanted Castle
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Spotsylvania Courthouse
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Gordon Farm and Plantation
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Historic Salubria 1757
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Peter Hitt Farm & Cemetery 1800​​​​​
UVA Health Cancer Care, part of Culpeper Medical Center Receives Donation of Patient Care Kits from Reynolds Subaru of Orange
LEFT TO RIGHT Jenn Branham, BSN, RN, OCN, Clinic Administrator UVA Health Cancer Center, part of Culpeper Medical Center, Amanda Giovannini, BSN, RN, Clinic Unit Leader, UVA Health Cancer Center, part of Culpeper Medical Center, Jacquline Snow, Sales Executive, Reynolds Subaru, and Andy Trice, Transportation, Reynolds Subaru, and Julia Thompson, Transportation Manager, Reynolds Subaru.
CULPEPER, VA – July 15, 2024 – UVA Health Cancer Care, part of Culpeper Medical Center, received patient care kits from Reynolds Subaru of Orange as part of the Subaru Loves to Care® initiative. The team at Subaru collected notes of well wishes and support which they affixed to care kits they delivered to patients undergoing treatment. The donation was comprised of 80 blankets and patient care kits. This gesture was made possible through the Subaru Loves to Care® initiative, a nationwide partnership with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), dedicated to offering comfort and support to individuals and families affected by blood cancer.
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Every three minutes, a new patient in the U.S. is diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma. The treatment and rehabilitation process can often be long and arduous, leaving patients feeling cold, confined, and in a weakened state. The donation of blankets, hand lotion, lip balm, eye masks, games, and messages of encouragement is just one way Reynolds Subaru and LLS is committed to supporting the health and well-being of the Culpeper community. By delivering the care kits with messages of hope, Reynolds Subaru offers tangible support to uplift patients during their treatment.
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"Reynolds Subaru of Orange is deeply committed to our community," stated Jacquline Snow, a sales executive at the dealership. "Having been a part of this community for over 85 years, with many of us born and raised here, it's important that we demonstrate our dedication to our neighbors' well-being. The cancer care center and its patients hold a special place in our hearts. Cancer has touched many of us personally, so participating in this event is particularly meaningful. It allows us to prioritize compassion and community involvement, especially for those facing challenging health circumstances."
As part of their year-round commitment to the local community, Reynolds Subaru is one of more than 600 national Subaru retailers across the country working with LLS to help support families and children impacted by blood cancer. To learn more about the Subaru Loves to Care initiative, for more information please visit www.subaru.com/care.   
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For additional information, please email Debbie Fleischer at KQQ9DC@uvahealth.org. 
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About UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center is a 70-bed community hospital that provides services in emergency, surgery, imaging, women’s and children’s health, heart and vascular, cancer care, and rehabilitation. The hospital has been named as a “Best Maternity Hospital” by Money and The Leapfrog Group and has received the Virginia Maternity Center Breastfeeding-Friendly Designation and the "Baby-Friendly" designation by UNICEF and the WHO. The hospital is also accredited by The Joint Commission as Acute Heart Attack Ready and Acute Stroke Ready and is certified for Total Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery. ​​
Nonprofits: Funds Available through REC’s The Power of Change
Date: July 16, 2024
Contact: Casey Hollins
Managing Director—Communications and Public Relations
(540)-891-5908, news@myrec.coop
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Fredericksburg, Va.—Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) invites nonprofits to apply for funding from The Power of Change. The deadline to apply for the latest round of funding is Aug. 10, 2024.
Twice a year, The Power of Change supports organizations in REC’s service area who need funding for their initiatives.
Through The Power of Change, REC members give voluntarily to support nonprofits that support those in need. In 2023, The Power of Change awarded more than $240,000 to 53 nonprofits in 22 Virginia counties, making a
significant impact in local communities.
The Power of Change grants are awarded to 501(c)3 organizations serving members within the REC service territory. If your nonprofit organization needs funding to support an initiative, please consider applying. If you know a nonprofit in need of funds to achieve its mission, please share this opportunity.
The deadline to apply for funds is 5 p.m. on Aug. 10, 2024.
Apply for Funds: Find information on our Giving Guidelines to learn more about eligibility, and find the application by visiting myrec.coop/power-change.
Contribute: For members who would like to contribute to The Power of Change, it’s as simple as rounding up your electric bill to the next whole dollar. The more members who enroll, the more money we can award to support our communities. To enroll in your MyREC SmartHub account, click Bill & Pay > The Power of Change > Select Enroll.
REC provides electric service to over 179,000 connections in parts of 22 Virginia counties. With its general office in Fredericksburg, Va., the Cooperative operates and maintains more than 18,000 miles of power lines through its service area, which ranges from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay. For more information about REC, please visit www.myrec.coop. Follow REC on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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REC Names Manager of Energy Solutions & Clean Energy
Fredericksburg, Va. — Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) has promoted Karan Patel to Managing Director–Energy Solutions and Clean Energy.
In his new role, Patel will be pivotal in helping members save money by focusing on the integration and expansion of energy solutions and clean energy technologies.
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“The work that Patel and his team will undertake is aimed to inform and involve members in embracing technologies that boost their energy independence and resilience, with an emphasis on sustainability,” explained Peter Muhoro, Chief Strategy, Technology and Innovation Officer. “His expertise perfectly aligns with REC’s strategic goals, and he will be fundamental in shaping the Cooperative’s future in energy solutions and clean energy, thereby providing significant benefits to REC’s members.”
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Patel has an extensive background in business planning and development, specifically in the energy utility industry. He’s spent many years in the field of power engineering, with previous roles including Field Engineering Manager at Voltus, Senior Engineer in Distribution Automation at Commonwealth Edison, Senior Engineer in Smart Grid, Technology, and Innovation at Pepco Holdings, and Senior Distribution Engineering Assistant in Distribution and Planning Engineering at Patterson and Dewar Engineers.
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In his most recent position as REC’s Staff Electrical Engineering Supervisor, Patel provided strong leadership and oversight on the execution of the Cooperative’s Construction Work Plan while managing a team of Planning Engineers.
Patel earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Clemson University. He is a licensed Professional Engineer, a Certified Commercial Unmanned Aircraft System Pilot and serves on Milsoft Utility Solutions’ Advisory Board.
REC provides electric service to over 177,000 connections in parts of 22 Virginia counties. With its general office in Fredericksburg, Va., the Cooperative operates and maintains more than 18,000 miles of power lines through its service area, which ranges from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay. For more information about REC, please visit www.myrec.coop. Follow REC on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT COLLABORATIVE (CIC) LENDS $1M IN 2023
CIC Microloan Program Surpasses $4M Since Inception
Charlottesville, VA – Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) infused $1M in capital into the local economy in 2023 through microloans to the small business community, doubling its 2022 total. With a continued focus on under-resourced entrepreneurs, its loan funds span central Virginia and beyond, including making its first loans in Martinsville, Richmond, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg and Hampton Roads, and include partnerships with local governments, funding from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Treasury Department’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund, among other sources.
“As a small business owner, funding is hard to find. Working with CIC for over 3 years has helped me be able to expand my business. The CIC team is friendly, helpful and awesome to work with,” says Cheryl Council, Owner, Relax Cville, Charlottesville’s first boutique medical spa.
Graduates of CIC’s signature program, a 16-week Entrepreneur Workshop, and owners of existing businesses are able to apply for a Contract-based Loan, a Start-up/Growth Loan or an Accelerator Loan, which caps at $10,000 or 2.5 months worth of current revenues, whichever comes first, and is designed to help local businesses optimize operations, purchase equipment or inventory, improve building conditions or support short-term working capital. CIC increased its microloan limit to $50,000 in 2022, shortly after ten years of operations.
“CIC is excited to continue to accomplish our goal of expanding access to capital to local entrepreneurs, particularly those who have traditionally faced barriers and restrictions because of their credit history, credit scores, time in business, availability of collateral, or the lack thereof. Hitting the $1M mark in 2023 proves the continued need for the services we provide. Being a flexible financing source and a certified CDFI positions us to create an entrepreneur ecosystem in our local community that business owners can learn from and build with,” says Stephen Davis, President, CIC.
Terms across loan products range from three (3) months to five (5) years based on the history of the business, the size and purpose of the loan, with decisions typically offered in 10-14 days for the Accelerator Loan and 4-6 weeks for the Start-up Loan. Interest rates cap at 9.75% with a lower rate offered to CIC Graduates and long-term clients of the Central VA Small Business Development Center (CV SBDC), an in-house team of professionals, offering free, 1:1 business advising, research assistance and business-centered workshops and events. Interested applicants should have been operating for at least six (6) months.
To determine eligibility, apply or learn more information regarding loan types and the application process, please visit cicville.org/loan-products or contact Carolina Medina at (434) 218-3481.
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ABOUT COMMUNITY INVESTMENT COLLABORATIVE (CIC)
Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) is a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) with a mission to strengthen the community and contribute to economic development by fueling the success of under-resourced entrepreneurs through education, mentoring, financing, and networking. CIC celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2022, has over 550 graduates from its 16-week Entrepreneur Workshop and has issued more than $4 million to over 205 entrepreneurs through its microloan program. Learn more about CIC at https://cicville.org.
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REC Names Director–Facilities Management
Fredericksburg, Va. — Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) has named Karen Mills as Director–Facilities Management.
In this role, Mills will oversee the acquisition, construction, maintenance and operations of the Cooperative's facilities and grounds. In addition, she will develop and maintain the Cooperative's facilities management policies and procedures.
“Mills has more than 15 years of experience leading facilities services teams and executing real estate strategy,” said Tosh Bowe, REC’s Managing Director–Administrative Services/Controller. “Her extensive knowledge and experience will ensure efficient operations and effective resource utilization at the Cooperative.”
Prior to joining REC, Mills served as Senior Manager of Facilities Services for Washington Gas.
Before working in utilities, Mills supported several growing technology companies, including Alarm.com, where she led commercial space acquisition, lease negotiation, design development, and construction management.
Mills graduated from George Mason University’s School of Management with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. She has also earned the assessment-based credential Facility Management Professional.
A Virginia native, Mills lives in the Fredericksburg area with her husband, Chris, and their black lab, Brady. In her free time, Mills volunteers at Lab Rescue LRCP, where she transports dogs rescued from overcrowded shelters to the DC-metro area for veterinary care and, ultimately, adoption.
REC provides electric service to over 176,000 connections in parts of 22 Virginia counties. With its general office in Fredericksburg, Va., the Cooperative operates and maintains more than 18,000 miles of power lines through its service area, which ranges from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay. For more information about REC, please visit www.myrec.coop. Follow REC on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.