On the third Tuesday of every month, Lake Anna business owners gather after hours at a rotating lineup of restaurants and breweries, trading business cards, referrals and conversation. Those informal gatherings are part of the Lake Anna Business Partnership, a nonprofit organization that has supported the local business community for more than two decades.

The Lake Anna Business Partnership (LABP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local businesses through structured networking opportunities and member social groups. According to LABP President Ronda Guill, the organization focuses on building professional relationships that benefit its members.

“We cultivate strong professional relationships to drive crossover sales and mutual referrals,” Guill told The Breeze.

Founded in 2001, LABP is led by a volunteer slate of officers and board members, with Guill currently serving as president. A new president is scheduled to be voted on in January.

Guill, founder and president of Midtown Printing and Graphics in Spotsylvania County, emphasized the organization’s relationship-driven approach to supporting the local business community.

One of LABP’s most visible networking efforts, the monthly “Business After Hours” event, is hosted by member food and beverage businesses. The gatherings provide opportunities for members and prospective members to connect, exchange ideas and, in some cases, form collaborative relationships with other businesses; including competitors with shared interests.

Beyond networking, LABP sponsors several community events throughout the year. These include the annual Lighted Boat Parade each December, which travels south across the lake from Tim’s Restaurant to The Lake Anna Taphouse and draws large crowds along the shoreline. The organization also sponsors a car show each June at Pleasants Landing.

LABP recently launched a business mentorship program designed to help local business owners navigate the demands of entrepreneurship. The six-month, extendable program consists of monthly sessions led by volunteer mentor Amy Stewart.

Another cornerstone initiative is LABP’s scholarship program, now in its fourth year. The program awards cash grants annually to three graduating seniors to support their pursuit of college or trade school education.

According to its mission statement, LABP exists “to enhance the local economy by connecting the people and businesses in the picturesque Lake Anna community.” That strategy reflects a broader belief that a strong business environment is closely tied to a thriving community.

While LABP’s primary focus remains on supporting existing businesses, the organization also recognizes Lake Anna’s continued growth.

Barry Schaeffer

Barry grew up and completed his schooling in southern California, moving to Virginia in 1980.

As a communicator, Barry was a regular columnist for CMSWire, as well as Intranet Development and Newspapers and Technology Magazines, and was a reporter for his local newspaper, The Central Virginian.  He was also one of four consultant/authors for the landmark congressional study “Informing the Nation” (1987.) 

As a customer service provider: while finishing college, he spent four years in the retail beverage industry, dealing directly with customers.

As a corporate manager, he was a successful manager with several firms, including:

• At Pacific Telephone, he managed groups of up to 150 people and was rated Outstanding among managers in Southern California.
• For Arcata Data Management, he took over a 100-person division known for significant monthly losses and late delivery penalties, taking it to profitability in less than six months.
• For Planning Research Corporation, he managed a staff of 100 contractor personnel in the computer center for the White House (EOPCC), taking the Award Fee contract from zero award to maximum in six months.

As a project manager, Barry successfully led and completed major projects.

• For the private sector: Pratt & Whitney Canada, Boeing Helicopter, Sikorsky Aviation, Ford Motor Company (through Tweddle Group,) World Book Encyclopedia, The Bureau of National Affairs.

• For the Federal government: Congressional Research Service (CRS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), U. S. Office Management and Budget (OMB), Executive Office of the President (White House), Department of Defense (Army National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC), Air Force Material Command, Naval Sea Systems Command.)

• For State Governments: Administrative Code systems for Texas and Oklahoma.

As an entrepreneur, he co-founded and led two successful firms including X.Systems, (founded in 1993 and acquired by XyEnterprise in 2009.) 

He is a graduate of California State University/Los Angeles with a BA in psychology, and of the rigorous Bell System Management Achievement Program.