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RDA seeking new board member applications!


If you are interested in serving on the RDA board, and contributing the the vitality of the River District and the North Main Business District, please fill out a board interest form HERE.


If you have any questions about board service, contact RDA CEO Diana Schwartz at Diana@riverdistrictassociation.com, or 434-791-0210.

Congrats to RDA CEO, Diana Schwartz, for earning the Historic Real Estate Development Finance Professional Certification from Grow America!

Happy 1 year "Workiversary" to Lashawn Farmer, Director of Design and Expansion


Lashawn spent 2023 focusing on design projects in the River District such as Vibrant Windows, Rain Art and Clean-Ups.


On North Main she started the True North Speaker Series, led clean ups, highlighted North Main businesses and worked on design projects such as bringing holiday banners and decorations to North Main. We can't wait to see what's in store for 2024!


Registration for the 2024 Dream Launch Bootcamp is open until January 12th, at: https://bit.ly/2024RDADreamLaunch 

January River District Spotlight - A Year in Review

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!

January Mornings on Main

Register for Mornings on Main

Do you have ideas about what would make Mornings on Main an even better networking and learning opportunity? We'd love your feedback to inform planning for the 2024 sessions!!

Tell us what you think! Mornings on Main Feedback

River District News

Congratulations on a merger between Danville's SoVa Legal, and Petty, Livingston Dawson and Richards of Lynchburg.


From SoVa Legal:

We are honored to serve our clients as they drive economic progress in our region. To continue to grow with Danville, we're excited to share our upcoming merger with Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards in Lynchburg! We look forward to what our merged firm—PLDR Law—will be able to do for Danville and for all of Southern and Central Virginia. Thank you to all of our colleagues and friends who helped make this possible. Happy New Year!

LIVE Music in the River District

Looking for LIVE music in the River District? Check out the schedules at:


Golden Leaf Bistro

River District Golf and Social

Ballad Brewing

Old 97 Tavern


Virginia Enterprise Zone Workshop

January 30th, 9:00 am


Are you leaving money on the table? Attend our Enterprise Zone Workshop on January 30th to understand what local and state grants are available to your business!


Register at: http://www.discoverdanville.com/.../local-enterprise-zone/


Questions? Reach out to samantha.bagbey@discoverdanville.com

Vantage Art Flats: Exhibits with featured artists Shirley Cadmus, Alex Sharp, Donald Smith


January 6th-27th

548 Craghead Street

Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Smokestack Theatre Company seeking board members

As a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit all proceeds go into furthering our MISSION. You can find our 2023 financial summary HERE. We are growing at a rapid rate and with that growth comes the need for more resources and board members! If you are interested in serving a local community theatre, fill out the board interest form below.

Board Interest Form

Smokestack Theatre Company has open improve rehearsals!


Come play improv games with us! Open to anyone ages 18+. No experience necessary. Show up anytime between 6:30pm-8:30pm. Bring friends or come alone and make new ones! This is a SAFE space to explore improvisational skills. We encourage everyone to give improv a try, but this is also a great way to prepare for upcoming auditions on January 24. Meet prior cast members and learn the games we perform at shows. 

More Info

Ballad Brewing Funk Fest - January 27th


Get ready to groove at FunkFest 2024 – the ultimate fusion of mouth watering beers and music! Join us on January 27th for an unforgettable day of exclusive brews, tantalizing bites and a rhythm-packed lineup!


The party starts at 12 pm, with WampShow setting the tone until 3 pm. DJ Lil Elvis takes over from 3-6 pm for the electrifying Brews & Vinyl session. As the sun sets, brace yourself for Loose Connection's live performance from 6-9 pm!


Don't miss out on the special Beermosa concoctions and the chance to grab your FunkFest to go pack! Get your funk on, mark your calendar, and let's make January 27th a day to remember. See you there!

True North Speaker Series

True North Speaker Series: January 17th, 12 pm


The River District Association and the North Main Business District invite you to join us monthly starting in August to hear from amazing, innovative and influential local Black women. Each month, on the 3rd Wednesday at 12 noon to be the first to see the published interview and hear the inspiring life stories of these women. We have ten great speakers lined up. Then in June 2024 we will have a live in-person panel interview with all 10! We can't wait for you to join us.


Link to North Main Business FB page: https://www.facebook.com/northmaindistrict

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

President


Emma Sellers

Averett University

Vice President


Kunal Patel

Caesars Virginia

Treasurer


William Crumpton

Compassion Healthcare

Secretary


Kelvin Perry

CoD Economic Development and Tourism


Steven Osborne

International Mission Board


Christy Harper

Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce


Drew Herring

West Main Baptist Church


Dr. Andrew Hessler

Danville Dental Associates


Irving M. Perez

First Citizens Bank


Sandra Chinn-Gilstrap

Chinn Gilstrap Law


Rachel Timm

Smokestack Theatre Company


Austin Bunn

Aoss Ventures

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: Director of Design and Expansion

Kirsten Aherron: Director of Communications and Events

Will Mackaman: Director of Economic Vitality

Alyssa Turner: Director of Business Services

River District Association | www.riverdistrictassociation.com
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