Photo courtesy of GRACRE

Dawn Hathaway of SouthState Bank worked with Caroline Browder of Roth Jackson to close a refinance of an existing project.

Susan Jones of CBRE represented Alana Kai Salon, who is leasing 2,827 square feet in Towne Center West, in a deal with Brenda Karp who represented the Landlord, The Breeden Companies . The salon is scheduled to open in early 2020.

Holly Neber – President, Meaghan O'Brien, CREW Richmond Delegate, Brenda Karp, President CREW Richmond, Wendy Mann, CEO CREW Network

CREW Richmond members Brenda Karp and Meaghan O'Brien completed the 2019 CREW Network Leadership Certificate program and received their certificates at the National Convention in Orlando, FL.

In September, Christian Creswell, Community Service Director of CREW Richmond, presented Val Short of Dress for Success Central Virginia with a check for $4500 from money raised through the CREW Richmond Summer Social.

CREW Richmond 2019 Dine Around: River City Food Tour

by Wendy Henley

CREW Richmond 2019 August Breakfast Meeting

by Cathy Pryor

CREW Richmond 2019 September Lunch Meeting

by Cathy Pryor

New CREW Richmond Members

Welcome to the newest members of CREW Richmond!

I had a wonderful time attending the CREW Convention for the first time this September. It was a time to make new industry connections, strengthen existing relationships with local and regional attendees, and become incredibly inspired by the various keynote speakers. A particularly special session was hearing from Carey Lohrenz, the US Navy’s first female F-14 Tomcat Fighter Pilot. She had a phenomenal story and little nuggets of motivation like “When you have self-doubt all you have do is add one word…yet. I can’t do that…yet. I don’t have enough experience to go for that opportunity…yet.” She was incredibly personable, had a great sense of humor, and I think gave everyone some positive take-aways in how we find our own success. In addition to some outstanding sessions, we also went back in time to see how CREW began as we were celebrating the 30-year anniversary. Through that celebration, we heard from several CREW Network Board members who shared their stories. There were also some heartwarming moments between CREW Network Board members as they transitioned leadership roles and expressed that they “will always have each other’s backs”. Overall, Convention was an absolute joy to attend and it further solidified that CREW is an amazing organization to be a part of. 

I have been trying for years (7 to be precise) to get “permission” to join the CREW Leadership Certificate Program. This year was my year. I will tell you, with all sincerity, that this program made all the difference for me in my professional career choices, personal development, and proving to me the power and value of CREW Network. 

Like some of you, I thought the larger CREW Network (outside of Richmond) was really for other people. Why bother being a member of the national organization when all I really want is to network with people in my metro region? Why do I need to be a member of CREW and GRACRE and ULI? They all do the same things, right? Prepare thyself…. I was doing this program solely for me. I wanted some leadership training as a minor stepping stone to my real goal. Selfish, I know. 

I arrived at the first session proud of myself for finally asking to do this, being granted permission and finally making it happen. Upon entering the room to have cocktails with 60 complete strangers, I met my first challenge. I had to choose ribbons for my nametag. If you’ve been to Convention, you know the ribbons are fun. What to choose to meet & greet with high-achieving, type-A women? I picked “No Drink Left Behind” (when in New Orleans……) and “Bass A**”. Why Bad A**? Because Samuel L. Jackson would pick that ribbon (No lie. THIS was my reason). I proceeded on my happy way. We had a dine-around that night where I met 6 new ladies. I’ve never bonded so instantly and so completely with a group of people in my life. I shared that short-term career goal was to transition to marketing and business development within my firm to take advantage of my technical expertise and my gift of gab. This was to help prepare me for my ultimate goal…….. wait for it…….. CEO. I’ve been ridiculed for this goal. Laughed at. Told that there are men in line ahead of me. To that I say, it’s my goal and my dream. Life is not so scripted that I have to follow the traditional path to a non-traditional role. I drew inspiration from these ladies that night. We went on to have an all-day class in Presence. We learned all about how to present our ideas and selves to the world. Pretty intense stuff! During the Leadership Summit that followed our first class, I was meeting my fellow regional CREW members. We were asked to give a traditional introduction – name, chapter, etc. When my turn came, our regional board member asked me first to explain why I chose the Bad A** ribbon. Without thinking, without letting the world in, without even invoking Samuel L’s name I said “Because I am. And let me tell you why”. 

Epiphany is the word that best describes the second session for me. The class focused on vulnerability and self-discovery. Sitting at a table of 8 strangers, I found myself having an emotional moment that can be best described as a breakdown. It was the moment I realized that in order to keep growing and fulfill my goals, I needed to make a change. It hurt. I was as vulnerable as I’ve ever been in a professional setting. Before I could escape to the restroom to compose myself and hide the tears of shame, my tablemate looked me directly in the eyes and said “whatever it is, we’re going to talk about it right now.” My epiphany was met with hugs, tissues, and love. That’s a sisterhood of support. I made a call at lunch to start the ball rolling on my change. WHEW! 

This fall, I was reunited with my sisterhood for our last all-in adventure. Negotiation is not my strong suit. Harvard Business professors will convince you that you have all the potential in the world and not one shred of talent all at the same time. For instance, I thought I did well in buying my car. This class specifically let me know that the dealership won that round. Regardless, it was a fun way to learn that I have a lot to learn and to never stop stretching. Flexibility is key in negotiating and in life. Be open to possibility. Opportunity comes in many forms. 

Bottom line, this program was more than just leadership skills I know that CREW is more than just what’s happening in RVA. CREW presented me the opportunity to meet women from all over the country who are now my personal and professional champions because I dared to be present, vulnerable, and flexible.

Since Fulton Bank opened its doors in 1882, we have strived to deliver the best banking experience for our customers.  

Today, as part of Fulton Financial Corporation, a $21.3 billion financial services holding company, Fulton Bank offers a broad array of financial products and services in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. 

We believe that by being experts at caring, listening and understanding - in everything we do, at all levels of our organization - we continue our heritage of consistently delivering value for our customers, our shareholders, our employees and the communities we serve.

Our local team of bankers in Richmond and Charlottesville care about each and every relationship and offer comprehensive solutions for Retail, Mortgage, and Commercial Banking to include Real Estate and Dealer Services. 

 

Commitment to Community: We invite our neighbors and friends to find out what a community-based bank like ours can do for them, every day. Our Fulton Forward program helps build vibrant communities through gifts of time and dollars and through programs, products, and services designed to foster affordable housing, drive economic development, and promote education and financial literacy in the neighborhoods we serve.

We at Fulton Bank are committed to changing lives for the better!

 

For more information about Fulton Bank contact Karen Frye at [email protected] .

Each day gives us an opportunity to leave our mark on the world. Creating a Lasting Positive Impact through engineering, surveying, and environmental expertise is the primary focus of Draper Aden Associates . With over four decades of experience providing civil, environmental, geotechnical, solid waste, and structural engineering, surveying and subsurface utility engineering; site development and infrastructure, and construction inspection services throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, we are more than just a set of plans; we are a way to achieve.

 

Established in 1972 in Blacksburg, Virginia, Draper Aden Associates has grown to become a leading Mid-Atlantic firm with an ever evolving focus on technology. Over the years, our company has expanded to Charlottesville, Hampton Roads, Manassas, Richmond, and Virginia Beach, Virginia and Raleigh and Fayetteville, North Carolina, with the goal of helping our clients realize a sustainable future.

 

Draper Aden Associates’ aspirations and capabilities are growing every day. Whether it involves the creation of a water distribution system for an under-served community, restoration and reclamation of an environmentally degraded site, preservation of precious natural resources, sensitive development of new communities, or helping to enhance the campuses of institutions where the next generations will learn, what we do today can be looked back upon with pride tomorrow.

 

If you have questions please contact Draper Aden Associates at (804) 264-2228 or daa.com .

F&R  is Your One-Stop Shop...for a comprehensive suite of design and construction engineering services. Big box to small retail, franchise to mixed use high rise, F&R is the construction engineering firm of choice for developers, landowners and franchisees, providing a ground-up array of services to assist you throughout the life of your commercial construction projects. Whether your project is still in design and development and you need geotechnical and environmental due diligence assistance, or during construction phases when materials testing and special inspections are required, F&R is your partner through the process.

For decades, F&R has worked with developers and other project stakeholders such as architects and general contractors to address the unique set of individual goals and needs of their structures. As a result, F&R knows that the most successful residential projects are those that are staffed by professionals that are obsessively focused on solving problems and minimizing roadblocks. It is only through assembling the best team possible that our clients can realize their vision on time and on budget.

From the parking lot to the drive-thru, F&R is committed to providing the highest quality construction engineering services to ensure the success of your projects, and we take pride in giving you the best possible service and support. Ultimately, your success defines our reputation, so you can count on F&R to provide you with the high quality engineering and testing services you deserve.

For more information, contact  Stephanie Golembeski  at (804) 591-2749 or  [email protected] or  Alyssa Budlong  at (804) 804-264-2701 or  [email protected] . 

On the leading edge of innovation in commercial real estate transactions, GRS Group provides its clients with unsurpassed expertise in the areas of Transaction Services, Title Insurance and Sustainability Solutions. With offices across the United States, Europe, and affiliates around the globe, GRS Group provides local market knowledge with a global perspective for institutional real estate investors, occupiers and lenders worldwide. The GRS Group team has evaluated and advised on over $1 trillion in CRE transactions.

GRS Title Services, LLC provides commercial real estate title insurance services and it is an authorized Title Insurance Agent for Fidelity, First American, Chicago and Commonwealth title insurance companies. GRS Title Services, LLC provides accurate, timely and complete title search and real estate related search services in every geographic region of the country. The firm also prepares, assists and reviews the closing documents necessary to meet its client’s specific needs and requirements.

GRS Group is a dynamic enterprise that is distinguished and defined by the extraordinary talent and commitment of our people. GRS Group people share knowledge worldwide, work in teams and enjoy a unique mix of accountability and the freedom to grow. And as a learning organization, we provide the support, training, and guidance to make sure GRS Group people learn, grow and succeed.

The GRS Group business culture is unmistakably dynamic and consistent across our businesses around the world-despite a tremendous diversity in geography, languages, and cultures-because of the quality of people we seek and keep. Our people believe in what we do, love a challenge and are energized by each opportunity to innovate and excel.

For more information about GRS Group , please contact Liz Steele at [email protected] .



Sonabank  is a Virginia state-chartered community bank that provides a range of financial services to individuals and small and medium sized businesses, operating 45 full-service retail branches in Virginia, and Maryland. Our range of financial services includes traditional banking services, along with investments, mortgages and insurance. We  support small to medium-sized businesses and consumers and continue to be a state leader in SBA lending. Additionally, we are proud to provide a dedicated program designed to empower and promote women in business called P.O.W.E.R. The P.O.W.E.R. program, which stands for Potential of Women Entrepreneurs Realized includes an exclusive package of financial services and resources designed to empower women in business to achieve their full potential and reach their goals.  For more information, visit   sonabank.com  .



For more information, contact  Kate Wagner  at 804-739-5149 or  [email protected] .