Presented by Froehling & Robertson. Hosted by the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance at the University of Mary Washington.
We are proud to present the return of the ACES Networking Luncheon series. ACES is dedicated to connecting professionals between Richmond and DC, from the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. A sector that is very active in the adoption of Information, Communication and Technology. These luncheons serve as an opportunity for like-minded individuals to collaborate and network while hearing from industry experts, engaging in insightful conversations and enjoying a local dining experience.
ACES is not an exclusive group and is open to the public. Registration is required and space is limited for all ACES events. Spring 2022 luncheons will take place at Ristorante Renato in downtown Fredericksburg. There are several sponsorship opportunities available for ACES events. If you are interested in learning more, please email Rose Maddox at rmaddox@fredregion.com
If you would like to be added to the invitation list for ACES luncheons, please complete our ACES Interest Form.
Spring 2022 Sponsors
Title Sponsor: Merritt Properties
Established in 1967 by Leroy Merritt, Merritt Properties is a privately held, full-service commercial real estate company with over 20 million square feet of Class A office, flex/light industrial, warehouse, and retail properties throughout Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and most recently Florida. Merritt builds for the long term and manages all of its properties internally, valuing trust, integrity, respect and lasting relationships over short-term gains. As a fully integrated developer, the firm’s in-house capabilities are expansive and include land entitlement and rezoning, site development, new construction, redevelopment, interior build-outs, design, leasing, property maintenance, property management, financing, accounting, marketing and LEED/ green building method and evaluation. Merritt is committed to “Creating Home for Businesses” and providing the highest quality service to its customers. For more information, visit www.merrittproperties.com. Merritt Clubs serve the region.
Platinum Sponsor: Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors
Founded in 1957, the Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors® is the trade association for more than 1700 Realtors® and 130 affiliate members serving the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, Orange, and Caroline. Members also work in the surrounding counties of Westmoreland, Louisa, Prince William and in Northern Virginia. FAAR provides members with resources to deliver professional and ethical service and advocates for issues impacting real estate.
Spring 2022 ACES Luncheons
Wednesday, April 13, 11:30-1 pm
Guest Speaker: Ian Ollis, Director of Transportation Planning with FAMPO
Ian Ollis serves as the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO) Administrator and also directs rural transportation planning for the George Washington Regional Commission (GWRC) in Virginia. Ollis is a former South African Member of Parliament and previously worked as a visiting transportation research fellow at the Pioneer Institute and a Transportation Planner at Transit Matters of Boston.
Ian will be providing updates on large transportation projects in the region such as the VA clinic and related transportation improvements. He will also be discussing the FAMPO East-West Mobility Study and other FAMPO projects.
Event Pricing
- Early Bird Rate (Available 3/2 – 3/16): $30
- General Admission (Available 3/17 – 4/6): $35
- Registration Deadline: April 6, 2022
Register Now!
Wednesday, May 11, 11:30-1 pm
Guest Speaker: Dr. Janet Gullickson, President, Germanna
Dr. Gullickson was appointed the first woman President of Germanna Community College, beginning July 1, 2017. She has held leadership positions with the Colorado Department of Higher Education and Community College System, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and Community Colleges of Spokane.
During her tenure as President of Spokane Falls Community College in Washington state, the college developed three applied workforce baccalaureate degrees, created an equity advocate program for search committees and captured two of eight nationally awarded National Science Foundation grants. In partnership with two colleges in other states, the college received a multi-million dollar Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grant. Dr. Gullickson serves on the boards of the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region, Go Virginia Region 9 and Culpeper Career Partners.
Dr. Gullickson holds a Doctor of Leadership and Policy in Higher Education degree from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Science degree in Rural Sociology and Planning from South Dakota State University. She has completed the Lean Enterprise certification. She is most proud to be a wife and a mother to three, adult children, two of whom live in Virginia and continue their military service in the Army and Navy Reserves.
The pandemic, technology and demographic changes have created a new workforce economy unlike one experienced in most of our lifetimes. This presentation will outline the current changes and suggest the transformations needed to create workers matching business needs and businesses matching worker needs.
Tickets available beginning April 1
Event Pricing
- Early Bird Rate (Available 4/15 – 4/22): $30
- General Admission (Available 4/22 – 5/2): $35
- Registration Deadline: May 2, 2022
Register Now – (Tickets available starting April 1, 2022)
Wednesday, June 8, 11:30-1 pm
Guest Speaker: Jason El Koubi, President & CEO, VEDP
Jason El Koubi has served as Executive Vice President of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) since 2017 and was named President & CEO of VEDP starting in March 2022. Jason helps lead the development and implementation of a multi-year strategic plan for economic development of the Commonwealth that encompasses activities across state government.
Previous positions include President and CEO of One Acadiana, Assistant Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development, and Policy Director of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber of Commerce.
Jason earned a B.S. in Biological Engineering from Louisiana State University. He is an outdoor enthusiast and also has a passion for volunteer work. He lives with his wife, Allison, and two sons in Richmond, Virginia.
Tickets available beginning May 2
Event Pricing
- Early Bird Rate (Available 5/2 – 5/20): $30
- General Admission (Available 5/21 – 6/2): $35
- Registration Deadline: June 2, 2022
Register Now – (Tickets available starting May 2, 2022)
About Fredericksburg Regional Alliance (FRA) 
Through recruitment, collaboration and advocacy, the FRA creates an environment to foster regional job growth. They assist existing businesses and industries with workforce development issues and help aggressively market the Fredericksburg region to corporate decision makers who are planning to expand or relocate their companies.
About Froehling & Robertson (F&R)
“We are impassioned engineers, scientists and problem solvers partnering with clients to advance the equality and stability of every project we touch to protect people and property.” 
Established in 1881, Froehling & Robertson, Inc. (F&R) is the oldest independent consulting engineer/testing firm in the United States. F&R focuses on their clients by offering construction engineering and environmental consulting solutions that are innovative, yet practical.
F&R maintains a fleet of drilling equipment as well as accredited testing laboratories that are utilized across their twelve offices. These offices, which are strategically located throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, possess the local resources needed to deliver the quick, efficient and cost-effective service their clients rightfully demand.
Questions? Contact FRA Business Development Manager Rose Maddox at rmaddox@fredregion.com