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Main Street America announced today that River District Association (RDA) in Danville, Virginia, has received the prestigious Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA), which recognizes communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization. The 2023 GAMSA designations, sponsored by The Hartford, were presented at the opening plenary for the Main Street Now Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.


Selected by a national jury of industry professionals and local leaders in the fields of economic development and historic preservation, River District Association is recognized for creating a fertile environment for economic vitality through exceptionally strong collaborative leadership and partnerships.



“River District Association demonstrates that a strong organizational foundation based on an ethos of collaboration and strategy leads to transformative change,” said Main Street America Interim President and CEO, Hannah White. “Their tireless efforts to build meaningful relationships with local stakeholders to inform and realize a holistic economic development approach has created an entrepreneurial ecosystem for the downtown and its surrounding region.” 

Read the Press Release

River District businesses featured on Season 2 of Hometown Hu$tle

Mornings on Main
Register HERE

Watch a recap of the February Mornings on Main

April River District Spotlight

Check out our monthly video series highlighting River District Businesses, Food, Music, Arts and Entertainment and more!

Did you watch? Tell us what you think!

River District News

Visit the River District Event Calendar to find community events, art classes, live music shows, and more...


Know of something not listed? submit an event.


(RDA may still make decisions about which events can be included in the calendar - thank you for understanding!)


Chestnut Lane Antiques hosts Jane Carter Art Exhibition

531 Main Street

April 14th, 2023 from 4pm - 7pm


Mrs. Carter is a local artist whose talents are expressed in watercolors, oil and multimedia mediums. Refreshments will be served. 

Golden Leaf Bistro Events

215 Craghead Street

  • Wine Down Wednesday: Half off on House Wine


  • Bingo at The Bistro first Wednesday of every month


  • Mimosa Flight Saturday the first Saturday of every month, starting in April.


  • Easter Brunch, April 8, 10am-3pm

April at Impotters Clayworx


  • Fridays Wheel Try-it Sessions 1 hr $25 Every Friday @ 4:30 & 5:30 PM


  • Beginning Clay- 6 weeks 2 hrs $125 Begins Tu 4/4, W 4/5 & Th 4/6 (choose which day) Please call, message, or text for info.


  • Garden Sign & Plant Markers 2 hrs $40 Saturday, 4/8 @ 10:00 AM


  • Green Man Mask 2 hrs $40 Saturday, 4/8 @ 2:00 PM


  • Garden Gnomes 2 hrs $40 Saturday 4/22 @ 10:00 AM



  • Phil's Bowls 2 hrs $40 Saturday 4/29 @10:00 AM
Register for Classes

Smokestack Theatre Company Hosting GALA


May 6th, 2023

7pm - 10pm

319 Lynn Street


$100 Ticket Includes:

Performance

Canapés

Drink Tickets

Dessert

Raffle Ticket

Gift

More Info

Save the Date....

And Evening with Clifton Taulbert

American Author | Business Consultant | Speaker

Join us June 6th, at 5:30 PM

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

150 Slayton Ave, Danville VA

Register

SAVE THE DATE

Start-up Slam, June 20th, 2023

What is the River District Association?

Do you want to be a part of a thriving River District? RDA takes Board of Directors applications all year long. Fill out an interest form to be considered for the next board opening!

Mission:

The River District Association will continue moving forward in the transformation of Danville's River District as a welcoming and lively place for all, while inspiring and influencing social and economic development for the great Dan River Region.


Vision:

The River District Association's innovative approach strengthens the regional economy, allowing all to experience Danville's high quality of life.


Board of Directors:


Rachel Covington

Hawthorne and Jade Design Co. LLC

President


Stuart Smith

FCS, Inc

Vice President


Kunal Patel

Caesars Virginia

Treasurer


William Crumpton

Compassion Healthcare

Secretary


Kelvin Perry

CoD Economic Development

Immediate Past President


Steven Osborne

International Mission Board


Christy Harper

Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce


Drew Herring

West Main Baptist Church


Emma Sellers

Averett University


Shani Gaylord - Hunter

Goodwill Industries of Central North Carolina, Inc. 


Dr. Andrew Hessler

Danville Dental Associates


Irving M. Perez

American National Bank and Trust Company


Sandra Chinn-Gilstrap

Clement-Wheatley


Rachel Timm

Smokestack Theatre Company

Who We Are

The River District Association (RDA) is comprised of a volunteer Board of Directors which includes representatives from River District businesses and property owners, the City of Danville, and other community stakeholders.


What We Do

RDA follows the Main Street model to coordinate the public-private partnerships required to revive the River District. We work with the City of Danville, area businesses, and institutions to develop programs and events to get the community working together to market the area's unique assets, to get the district in top physical shape, and to attract and retain businesses.


Why We Do It

As our City Council and City Manager have publicly stated, the economic health of the city is impacted by the River District. A downtown with empty buildings and blight conveys a negative image. A prosperous downtown tells the world that the business sector can work well with the City to bring about positive change. With a number of development projects taking place, the River District has reclaimed its role as a vital, important and pleasant place to work, shop, and have fun.


What You Can Do

We need YOU! Would like to play an active role in the revival of the River District? Do you have any special ideas or talents, or simply want to volunteer with a project, please contact us by phone at 434-791-0210 or by email. One of our dedicated volunteer board members will respond.


River District Association Staff


Diana Schwartz: CEO

Lashawn Farmer: Programs and Services Director

Kirsten Aherron: Communication and Events Manager

Will Mackaman: Programs and Services Manager

Alyssa Turner: Bookkeeper and Office Manager

River District Association | www.riverdistrictassociation.com
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