by Jessica Gillette | Aug 19, 2025
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: NETWORKING OR NOT WORKING? | WORKSHOP & MIXER
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 3:30PM – 5:30PM
Most business developers spend countless hours at happy hours, mixers, and industry events—but is all that networking actually working? Too often, people show up without a plan, fall into surface-level small talk, and walk away with a stack of business cards that lead nowhere.
In this session, we’ll break down the difference between effective networking and wasted time, focusing on engaging people with the right questions, telling stories that make you memorable, and avoiding getting stuck in dead-end conversations. You’ll also learn how to position yourself as a true connector—the kind of person others seek out for introductions and opportunities. And most importantly, we’ll cover why follow-up is where the real magic happens—because if you’re not turning handshakes into meaningful business relationships, you’re NOTworking.
Light appetizers and two (2) drink tickets provided (non-alcoholic options available). This event is for Young Professionals 40 & under.
SPEAKERS
Robin Green, Owner & President, Ascend Performance, Inc., powered by Sandler
Robin Green works with companies in a variety of industries and helps develop proven and reliable methodologies to grow revenue. Robin serves clients from across the United States, the United Kingdom, and India. He is a frequent speaker at industry events and trade organizations on the topics of sales, communication, and leadership topics.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Commitments needed by September 15 COB
Event Sponsor $500 – includes two (2) registrations, signage at event, logo/name on marketing materials
Beverage Sponsor $300 – includes one (1) registration, signage at bar during event, logo/name on marketing materials
Select during registration or email Kristen Altermatt to register as a sponsor
LOCATION
Hardywood, West Creek
820 Sanctuary Trail, Richmond, VA 23238
COST (Members Only)
Young Professionals – $55
**Online registration will close at 6PM on Tuesday, September 16.**
SUBSTITUTIONS/CANCELLATION POLICY
Please note that a reservation constitutes a financial commitment unless cancellations are made 48 hours in advance. Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual(s) can no longer attend.
Questions?
Contact Kristen Altermatt
by Jessica Gillette | Aug 5, 2025
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: SMARTER FEELINGS, STRONGER YOU – EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE WORKSHOP
**CANCELLED. If you registered for this event, an ABC-VA rep will reach out.**
Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 4:00PM – 6:00PM
Boost your Emotional Intelligence – discover ways to strengthen workplace relationships and elevate your career potential!
Karen Cotton, Senior Knowledge Manager at Swinerton and an instructor for ABC-Virginia’s Leadership Series, will facilitate this informative workshop that uses the framework of Enneagram personality profiles to learn more about your core motivations and explore ways to leverage your strengths to excel in your professional role.
What to Expect:
• Discover your Enneagram type and what motivates you.
• Learn how to leverage your strengths in communication, leadership, and collaboration.
• Improve how you interact with colleagues, lead teams, and navigate workplace challenges.
To prepare for this session:
1) Complete the free test: https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test
2) Screenshot your results (it will look like the pie chart below)
3) Send your pie chart screenshot to Kristen Altermatt before Tuesday 10/7/2025 so the workshop content can be customized for our group
Whether you’re leading a meeting, contributing to a team project, or looking to grow your leadership capabilities, developing your emotional intelligence will help you become more effective—and make your work life more enjoyable.
Networking session to follow the workshop. Don’t miss out – register today and start your journey toward stronger connections and greater success!
This event is for Young Professionals 40 & under.
PRESENTER
Karen Cotton, LEED AP, CPSM, Senior Knowledge Manager, Swinerton
Karen Cotton is a Senior Knowledge Manager for Swinerton, an ENR Top 40 general contractor. With 20+ years of experience working in construction, she shares her passion for learning, coaching, mentoring, and self-discovery as a frequent presenter and Enneagram instructor in the Washington, DC area. Karen is a Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) and a LEED Accredited Professional. She serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the SMPS Washington, DC Chapter.
LOCATION
ColonialWebb Contractors
1920 E Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228
COST (Members Only)
Young Professionals – $35
Includes workshop and networking with light snacks and drinks
SUBSTITUTIONS/CANCELLATION POLICY
Please note that a reservation constitutes a financial commitment unless cancellations are made 48 hours in advance. Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual(s) can no longer attend.
Questions?
Contact Kristen Altermatt
by Jessica Gillette | Jul 29, 2025
BRINGING YOUR CHILDREN INTO THE BUSINESS • VIRTUAL
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 | 10:00AM – 11:30AM
This virtual webinar addresses how to search for, develop, and transition the business to a family member (or other successor). As business owners, we know there is a delicate balance of maintaining family harmony while integrating children into the family enterprise and monetizing your hard work. Business owners get one chance relationally and financially, so don’t miss this opportunity. Presentation is 10-11am followed by 30-minute Q&A.
Topics covered:
• The family business quandary – keeping business and family conflicts separate
• Allowing children (or your successor) to enter the family business and paths to increased responsibility
• Preserving retirement income security for the senior generation
• “Fair” versus “equitable” for non-active family members
• IRS tax incentives and various transfer mechanisms for the business
• The psychological process for the senior generation to gradually transition control
• Estate and business valuation cons
• Family harmony strategies
SPEAKERS
Donald S. Hannahs, CFP®, Oceanside Financial Strategies
Parker Hannahs, Oceanside Financial Strategies
LOCATION
Virtual
A Zoom link will be sent to attendees within 24 hours of webinar
COST
Members $30
Non-members $60
SUBSTITUTION/CANCELLATION POLICY
Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual(s) can no longer attend. Please note: a reservation constitutes a financial commitment unless cancellations are made 48 hours in advance.
Questions?
Contact Jamie Carrow
Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth. Osaic Wealth, Inc. and its representatives do not provide legal or tax advice. You should consult a legal or tax advisor regarding any legal or tax information as it relates to your personal circumstances.
by Jessica Gillette | Jul 24, 2025
THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE WORKSHOP
Tuesday, October 7 – Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Habits are powerful forces in our lives that determine our level of effectiveness or ineffectiveness. The purpose of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, based on principles detailed in Stephen Covey’s popular self-help book, is to help you lead your life in a truly effective way. They represent a proven process of personal and interpersonal growth that can have an immediate and lasting impact. Gain a personal plan of action to enhance your productivity and leadership skills.
Benefits of Attending:
Dr. Stephen R. Covey was a global leadership authority. His international bestseller, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People®, was named one of the 10 most influential management books ever by Forbes magazine and is the bestselling audio book in history.
This two-day, intensive course will help you:
• Execute critical priorities with focus and planning
• End self-defeating behavior
• Develop strong relationships based on mutual trust
• Be prepared to deal with difficult circumstances before they happen
• Increase team engagement, morale and collaboration
• Create a highly effective culture based on core values
• Raise up the next leaders who model competence and character
Join ABC-VA for two days of interactive discussion on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Learn how to use the seven habits to strengthen both professional and personal development. This renowned class will leave you feeling energized, refreshed and ready to take on the world with a new perspective.
PRE-WORK REQUIRED: Attendees will be sent a 360-degree survey to send to supervisors, colleagues, industry peers, friends and the like. Register early to make sure you have plenty of time for your surveys to be completed!
“A class everyone (at every level) should complete. I took so much from this and work to apply it to my life every day!” -Juliane Faller, Senior Business Development Manager, Balfour Beatty US
• Recommended but not required reading: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
• Information on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/
• Information on Dr. Stephen R. Covey and The 7 Habits: https://www.stephencovey.com/
INSTRUCTORS
Patrick Dean, ABC Virginia
Steve Daves, R.W. Murray
LOCATION
ABC-VA Northern Virginia Training Facility
42680 Trade West Drive, Dulles, VA 20166
COST
Members: $575
Non-Members: $795
Includes light breakfast, lunch and course materials
REGISTRATION / CANCELLATION DEADLINE
September 30, 2025 by 5PM
Please note: a reservation constitutes a financial commitment unless cancellations are made one (1) week in advance. Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual(s) can no longer attend.
COURSE CONTACT
Jenny Tashjian
by Jessica Gillette | Jul 24, 2025
CONSTRUCTION LAW SURVIVAL SEMINAR
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | 9:00AM – 4:30PM
Our Construction Law Survival Seminar is back by popular demand! Join Jim Fullerton for a full-day discussion on what you need to know about construction law as a professional in the construction industry.
TOPICS COVERED:
Mechanic’s Liens
– Time Limits, Notices and Claims to Preserve
Mechanic’s Lien Rights in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and D.C.
Public and Private Payment Bond Rights
– Federal Miller Act and State Little Miller Acts in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and D.C.
– Private Payment Bond Rights
Lien & Bond Progress Payment Waivers
– Review and revising waivers in contracts and progress payment waivers
– Lien Waivers, Bond Right Waivers, & Claims Waivers
Construction Contracts
– Contract Terms to put in your Proposals
– Reviewing and Revising Contracts you receive
– Conduit, Pay when Paid Clauses and Claims Procedures
Each Construction Law Survival Seminar participant will receive continental breakfast, lunch, refreshments and the newest edition of the 700 page Construction Law Survival Manual. Seminar starts at 9:00 am. Check-in starts at 8:30 am.
Jointly sponsored by Fullerton & Knowles, P.C., ABC-VA and NACM South Atlantic.
SPEAKER
James D. Fullerton, President, Fullerton & Knowles, P.C.
Mr. Fullerton is a Martindale Hubbell Peer Rated Lawyer Preeminent. Jim represents owners, lenders, design professionals, suppliers, subcontractors, general contractors and other members of the real estate and construction industries region-wide. He advises on all real estate and construction law issues; public procurement and bidding, contract formation and disputes; defects in labor and materials; design defects in plans and specifications; inefficiency, impact and delay claims; mechanic’s lien and bond rights; litigation, arbitration and mediation in public and private projects; joint ventures, mentor protegee agreements and other arrangements for minority and disadvantaged business enterprises; bank and lender representation; commercial transactions and loan closings; sales contracts and leases.
Mr. Fullerton is also a master brick mason, a licensed real estate broker and the owner of Summit Real Estate. He is Counsel to Board of Directors, Virginia Precast Concrete Association; and is Counsel to Board of Directors, Central Atlantic Precast Concrete Association. He graduated from the University of Colorado and the University of Virginia School of Law.
LOCATION
ABC-VA Central Virginia Training Facility
1600 E Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228
COST
Member – $100
Non-Member – $100
Includes breakfast bars, coffee, water and lunch
SUBSTITUTION/CANCELLATION POLICY
Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual can no longer attend. Please note that a reservation constitutes a financial commitment unless cancellations are made 48 hours in advance.
Questions?
Contact Kristen Altermatt
