August 16, 2021
CHAMBER BRIEFS
Chamber Briefs provides a monthly update on Chamber news, events and programs.
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WELCOME TO OUR NEW INNOVATION PARTNER
First Citizens Bank

530 Main Street
Danville, VA 24541

434.791.6813
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS
My Brother's Keeper Foundation, Inc.
River City Area Magazine by Happy Endings Publications

742 Pelican Point Rd
Semora, NC 27343

919.906.5673
WELCOME TO OUR LEADERSHIP SOUTHSIDE CLASS OF 2021-2022
Leadership Southside is an engaging and informative program that offers skill building, leadership development, network building and an introduction to the Dan River Region. Approaching its 30th year, Leadership Southside develops leadership skills by providing information and experiences, and promoting diversity of thought and exchange of ideas.  

Sessions include conflict resolution and team building, community challenges and opportunities, crisis leadership, facilitation and presentation skills, cultural diversity and board leadership in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Participants also will travel to Richmond in January for Chamber Day at the Capitol to hear from and engage with members of the General Assembly. 

Leadership Southside is a nine-month program, meeting one day each month from August through April. The class will celebrate graduation in May 2022.  

Congratulations to the following 22 candidates who will be participating in the 2021-2022 class:

  • Kirsten Aherron, River District Association
  • Laura Ashworth, City of Danville – Office of Economic Development
  • David Coffey, City of Danville – Fire Department
  • Amy Davis, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
  • Madison Eades, Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce
  • Conner Finney, Sovah Health
  • Hailey Folkes, Sovah Health
  • Charly Emerson Harris, JT - Minnie Maude Charitable Trust
  • Dr. Tammy Hurt, Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
  • Cassie Jones, Averett University
  • Brandie King, Negril, Inc.
  • Pete Kostopanagiotis, Daniel, Medley & Kirby, P.C.
  • Amy Parikh, Carlisle School
  • Doug Plachcinski, City of Danville – Office of Community Development
  • Jakeeta Scott, Danville Pittsylvania Community Services
  • Benjamin Sharpe, Clement Wheatley, P.C.
  • Donald Smith, City of Danville - Police Department
  • Jarrett Stone, Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office
  • Brad Stowe, Chandler Concrete
  • Martina Tatum, Gateway Health
  • Tammy Turner, ValleyStar Credit Union
  • Kellie Smoak Wyatt, Dan River Nonprofit Network

There are close to 500 alumni who contribute in a number of ways to the vitality of our region. Leadership Southside alumni are this community’s leaders—they are committed to Danville and Pittsylvania County, striving to move both their careers and their communities forward.
RETURN TO EARN GRANT PROGRAM
Last month Governor Northam launched the Return to Earn Grant Program to support small businesses with their post-pandemic hiring needs. Through this initiative, Virginia's local workforce development boards will match up to $500 that a qualifying small business pays directly to a new employee in the form of a hiring bonus. Childcare businesses are not required to match. 

More information about which specific businesses and employees are eligible is available here.

Interested small businesses should contact their local workforce development board to learn more. West Piedmont: Contact Robert Knight at rknight@vcwwestpiedmont.org or 276.656.6190.

SUBMIT JOB OPENINGS
Visit our website at www.dpchamber.org to submit job openings by logging in with your member login, then clicking "job postings."

You may also send job openings to Madi at madison@dpchamber.org for a new monthly e-blast dedicated to job openings within our Chamber membership!
UPCOMING PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Business@Breakfast: The Future of Remote Work

When: Wednesday, August 18, 8-9 a.m.
Where: Online via Zoom

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the ways we live and work. Join us on August 18 for a conversation about the short and long-term impacts of the pandemic on business, specifically remote work, from both the employer and employee perspectives. 


Moderated by Dr. Brian Jackson | Vice President for Workforce Services | Danville Community College
Registration: $20
Member Rate: $10
Annual Awards 2021

Join us for the Chamber's 2021 Annual Awards Event on September 16, 2021 at 4 p.m. This event will be held virtually via Zoom, and the following award recipients will be recognized:

  • Pinnacle Award
  • Pinnacle Small Business Award
  • Young Professionals PACE (Professional and Community Engagement) Awards
  • Educator of the Year 
In addition, Barry DuVal, President & CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, will offer remarks. Under Barry’s leadership, the Virginia Chamber has grown from fewer than 1,000 member companies in 2010 to become Virginia’s largest business advocacy group with more than 26,000 members today.In 2013, the Chamber produced Blueprint Virginia – the Commonwealth’s first comprehensive business-led initiative to provide direction and long-term economic development planning for Virginia. In 2017, the Chamber released an update to the original Blueprint, Blueprint Virginia 2025. Blueprint Virginia 2025 engaged over 6,000 business and community leaders from around the Commonwealth to build an action plan for strengthening Virginia’s economic competitiveness and getting Virginia back to the top of business climate rankings. Blueprint Virginia 2025 serves as the Virginia Chamber’s legislative agenda.

Before taking the position of president and CEO with the Virginia Chamber in 2010, Barry served as Mayor of Newport News from 1990-1996 and in several high-profile economic development roles, including Secretary of Commerce and Trade for Virginia from 1998-2002.

Thank you to our sponsor:
Registration: $20
Member Rate: $10
REGISTER FOR THE CHAMBER CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT!
Laurie Moran was a tireless champion for our region, and the Chamber Classic has been one of the Chamber’s signature events for decades. This tournament is critical to the Chamber’s continued work in the region, focused on talent development, business growth and legislative advocacy.

This year marks the 31st anniversary of the Chamber Classic Golf Tournament. We invite you to celebrate with us on Friday, October 22, 2021 at Tuscarora Country Club!

$1,500 | Signature Sponsor
[includes team and lunch recognition]

$1,100 | Primary Team & Hole Sponsor Package

$1,000 | Primary Team Package

$350 | Premium Hole Sponsor
[can have physical presence at hole]

$250 | Stationary Beverage Cart Sponsor
[only 2 available - can have physical presence at cart]

$200 | Hole Sponsor

$35/cart or $100 for four carts | Golf Cart Sponsors

DAN RIVER REGION HEALTH EQUITY SURVEY
INNOVATION PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNERS
Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce | www.dpchamber.org
(T) 434.836.6990 | (F) 434.836.6955
150 Slayton Avenue | Danville, VA 24540