DANVILLE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS & HISTORY BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

You’re invited to the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History to learn more about the upcoming celebration of 50 years in which this historical space has been present in the Danville Community. The museum will also be discussing upcoming refinements to the organization's vision for the future, which reflects its commitment to all local audiences and visitors, and how the museum will be expanding its role to be the cultural heart of Danville.  

Please join us to learn about the new exhibits planned for September in honor of the museum’s 50th Anniversary.

• September New Exhibits will include:6th – A Special Photography Exhibit
• 14th – Art on the Lawn

The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting history and art in the Dan River Region. Located in Danville, Virginia, the museum offers art and history exhibits, programs, and events, and collaborates with local organizations and educational institutions throughout the year to provide art and culture for residents and visitors.  

The museum is housed in the Sutherlin Mansion, an Italian Villa-style house built in 1859 for the Sutherlin family. Designed by Richmond architect Frank B. Clopton, the house is recognized as one of the finest examples of Italianate architecture in the State of Virginia and is designated as a Virginia Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

**Business After Hours are designed to provide a networking opportunity for members to make new business contacts in a relaxed social setting. There is no cost for Chamber members – It’s included in your membership.

PINNACLE STUDIOS GRAND OPENING & RIBBON CUTTING

ANNOUNCING THE 12TH ANNUAL BIG LAUNCH CHALLENGE

Mark your calendar for October 17, 2024 for one of the Southeast's most established and premier business pitch competitions, The Big Launch Challenge! The Launch Place is also pleased to team up again with the Angel Capital Association to offer Ann and Bill Payne ACA Angel University's immersive and engaging courses that are tailor made for angel investors and entrepreneurs. The 12th Annual BLC will be hosted at the NC Biotechnology Center in Durham. Stay tuned for more details on how to apply, register and learn more about ACA Angel University!

REGISTER NOW FOR RISE BUSINESS PITCH COMPETITION

Wednesday, June 26, 2024 I 2:00 - 7:00PM I SVHEC Innovation Center



The RISE Business Pitch Competition is a regional business pitch competition that gives Southern Virginia entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch for a chance to win funding to start or grow their businesses. The 2024 RISE Southern Virginia Business Pitch Competition will take place on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 3-7 pm at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center.

Support local entrepreneurs as they take the stage to pitch their innovative business ideas to judges, investors, and fellow community members.

REGISTER NOW FOR CAMP CULTIVATION

Attention all high school students! The Wendell Scott Foundation is now accepting youth applications for its free Camp Cultivation to be held July 9-11, 2024, on the campus of Virginia State University! Level up your leadership skills and explore the exciting world of science, engineering, and technology through hands-on activities, workshops, and simulations. Don't miss this chance to experience college life while giving yourself the tools you need to succeed in any career field!

DANVILLE TOYOTA PRESENTS: BLUE JEANS & BOOGIE BASH TO BENEFIT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE DANVILLE AREA

BGCDA, in collaboration with Title Sponsor - Danville Toyota, is seeking business and/or individual sponsors for an upcoming event (see attached flyer)! At BGCDA, our mission is to inspire all youth to reach their full potential as caring, productive and responsible citizens. By reserving your sponsorship TODAY, you help guide and influence the youth of our community, to make positive life-changing decisions! Your investment will produce great impact for Danville, Pittsylvania County and beyond! Thank you!

GET READY TO TEE OFF FOR GOD'S PIT CREW 2024 GOLF TOURNAMENT

Join us on Friday, September 20, for our annual God's Pit Crew Golf Tournament!

We currently have several 8:00 AM tee times available. If you're interested in joining, please contact Hannah Nuckles, Event Coordinator, at (434) 836-4472 for more information and to reserve your spot.

𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: Friday, September 20, 2024

𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 8:00 AM

𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲: Goodyear Golf Club, 245 Jenny Lane, Danville, VA 24541

The tournament includes great prizes, food, and each player will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀 at the One Million Dollar Shootout!

MOUNTAIN VALLEY BREWING TO HOST SUNBINE MUSIC FESTIVAL

ELEVATE YOUR IT CAREER WITH FREE CYBER SECURITY TRAINING

Are you currently working in IT, Technical, or Help Desk Support? Boost your career with in-demand certifications! Our 16-week Cyber Security Training Program offers a unique opportunity to achieve CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, and National Career Readiness Certifications—at no cost to you! 

We offer in-person or virtual class options that fit your work schedule. To enroll, call Paul Burnette, Workforce Success Coach at 434.797.8572 today!

PLEASE COMPLETE OUR CYBER SECURITY BUSINESS NEEDS POLL

The Cybersecurity Short-term Training Initiative is a 16-week certificate program equipping graduates with industry-standard CompTIA A+ and Security+ credentials. The program is made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor and is managed in partnership with Danville Community College. The cybersecurity program empowers graduates to pursue information technology and cybersecurity careers both in the public and private sectors and is designed to create a pipeline to local and regional employment for graduates. Because we're creating a pipeline to employment, there is an opportunity to recruit new IT-related businesses to our area. Our goal is to have a pool of highly qualified, work-ready cybersecurity professionals and employ them to meet current business needs and to develop future industries in our region.

We need YOUR input!  Please complete this 5 question Cybersecurity Business Poll to help us understand your cybersecurity and information technology needs (include survey QR code and link). Results from this survey will be used as baseline data as we work to build a professional cybersecurity workforce to meet your business needs.

For more information about the Chamber's Cybersecurity Program, contact Delilah White, Special Programs Coordinator at delilah@dpchamber.org or 434-836-6904.

RIVER DISTRICT ASSOCIATION AWARDS OVER $52K IN START-UP FUNDS IN 2024 RDA IGNITE PITCH COMPETION

The River District Association (RDA) has awarded four businesses over $52K in RDA IGNITE Pitch Grants to open or expand their brick-and-mortar businesses in the River District.

The River District Association Dream Launch Program and IGNITE Pitch Competition are part of a multi-phase entrepreneurship program. The first phase, the Dream Launch Bootcamp, consists of six classes that teach participants a full slate of skills and information that business owners need. The annual Bootcamp is free for anyone to attend. The program also offers an additional 7th class specifically for food and beverage businesses.

During the second phase, participants that complete the entire series and wish to open or expand a brick-and mortar business in the downtown River District and North Main Business District are eligible to pitch for grant funding in the IGNITE Pitch Competition. In addition, thanks to partnerships and collaboration building, Dream Launch Bootcamp participants are also eligible to elect to pitch for funding in the Danville-Pittsylvania Rev-Up Pitch with the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce (for locations in Pittsylvania County, or in Danville outside of the River District).

On March 20th the River District Association (RDA) hosted a graduation ceremony to award Dream Launch Certificates of Completion to over 90 participants. To earn a certificate and graduate, participants must attend all 6 Dream Launch Bootcamp classes. Nine business plans were pitched to judges in the IGNITE Pitch Competiton in April.

True North Speaker Series Event Empowers Black Women With a Celebration of Strength, Resilience, and Sisterhood.



In recognition of the invaluable contributions and indomitable spirit of Black women, The River District Association is thrilled to announce the upcoming event, True North Speaker Series Celebration.”

Together, let us celebrate the strength, resilience, and tenacity that define the essence of Black women entrepreneurship, economics, health and community development. Join us for an unforgettable event dedicated to honoring our past, embracing our present, and shaping a future where every Black woman can shine.

The River District Association, a nationally accredited Main Street Organization is committed to bringing its business district revitalization support to the North Main Business District.

Lashawn Farmer, RDA Director of Expansion and Design says, "This is a historic moment, an opportunity for our region to witness the profound contributions of black and brown girls and women, shaping every aspect of our lives: from how we live and work, to how we play and pray.”

YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED FOR OUR SAFE STREETS & ROADS SURVEY

In 2023, the Danville /Pittsylvania County was awarded a federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant, which we are using to develop a Safety Action Plan for the Danville MPO area. The Plan will serve as the basis for an implementation grant, which comes later. The SS4A rests on the Federal Highway Association's Safe Systems Approach, which stresses redundancy and overlapping principles of roadway safety which include: Safer People, Safer Roads, Safer Vehicles, Safer Speeds, and Post-Crash Care. The goal set by the FHWA is “Zero Deaths and Serious Injuries,” and the intent of the SS4A process is to implement low-cost but effective measures to improve safety, which may include high-visibility crosswalks, better signage, etc.

We are seeking community input for an active online survey through which we are requesting feedback from residents, workers, and visitors to Danville and the adjacent (MPO) area of Pittsylvania County regarding where they believe the greatest safety issues are. Please take our survey and be entered to win a $50 Visa gift card.

IALR WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF MANUFACTURING ADVANCEMENT

IALR is pleased to announce that Jason Wells will join the IALR leadership team as Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Advancement, effective June 3. Wells brings nearly 30 years of experience in high-performance manufacturing and will provide executive-level strategic management and oversight of IALR’s growing Manufacturing Advancement division.

JOIN DANVILLE'S PROJECT IMAGINE FOR THEIR BACK TO SCHOOL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENT

CHECK OUT THESE UPCOMING EVENTS WITH WHO SET THE STANDARD

Founded in 2021 by Genera Nicholson, Who Set The Standards is a one-of-a-kind inclusion-oriented nonprofit based in Danville, Virginia, aiming to provide engaging entertainment, programs, and activities to individuals of all ages regardless of their individual challenges.

We represent inclusion for all individuals within the special needs, physically challenged, and rare diagnosis community, and we are dedicated to spreading awareness and understanding of each diagnosis. Our team has over 20 years of combined experience working within these communities, as well as the blessing of raising children with diverse needs.

We are able to leverage our unique experience with inclusion, physical challenges, and rare diagnoses to provide the highest quality care, education, and entertainment possible. Additionally, we ensure that other programs and events in our area are designed for inclusion, fostering a supportive and welcoming environment for everyone.

DANVILLE PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CELEBRATES 50TH BUILD

MOVEMENT BANK INVITES YOU TO STUFF THE BUS FOR DANVILLE PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

GOD'S STOREHOUSE INVITES YOU TO THE SUMMER CEREAL & PEANUT BUTTER DRIVE KICKOFF EVENT

Please join us for this event and a very special announcement from God's Storehouse.

UNITED WAY OF DANVILE PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY INVITES YOU TO A DAY OF ACTION

Meet us at 9:00am at the JTI Fountain (across from Me's Burgers) and help us with our Day of Action on June 22! Our project will be cleaning up along the Riverwalk Trail up to the Dan River Bridge crossing. Trash bags, grabbing utensils and gloves will be provided for those in attendance. Come help with the beautification of an important landmark in our community.

Registration requested. Please use this link or scan the code below.

PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY'S BACK TO SCHOOL FESTIVAL

Pittsylvania County Community Action Needs Your Help!

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we have an exciting opportunity to

come together as a community to support our students and families. We are

reaching out to businesses, churches, and government officials to explore the

possibility of partnering for a back-to-school event on August 3rd at Hargrave

Military Academy.

Our vision is to create an event that not only equips students with the necessary

supplies and resources for a successful academic year but also fosters a sense of

unity and support within the Pittsylvania County community. By combining our

resources and efforts, we can maximize our impact and create a memorable

experience for all involved.

YOU'RE INVITED TO A RIBBON CUTTING AT WESTMORELAND PARK

Jun 27th 12:00pm - 4:00pm

Everyone is invited to attend the ribbon cutting celebration for the newly refurbished Westmoreland Park, Thursday June 27th from 12p-4p. There will be a short ceremony followed music food and fun for all! Enjoy the new basketball courts, walking trail, playground and more! The ceremony will take place at the corners of Sycamore and Spruce streets.

COMMENCEMENT TAKES SPECIAL FORM FOR THREE AVERETT GRADS

The parking lot had emptied out, but the stage was still set at Averett University’s Grant Center. There was no need to strike the setup just yet. Three more graduates were invited to make their own memories.

Saturday, May 4 hosted not only the main commencement exercises for Averett’s graduating class of more than 200, but a later, more intimate ceremony for three young women who had to miss the morning event due to an Old Dominion Athletic Conference softball tournament.

At 4 p.m. sharp, Taylor Sullivan ’24, Olivia Jones ’24 and Anna Coleman ’22, ’24 made the procession down the center aisle to “Pomp and Circumstance” hummed by their family, friends, teammates and coach, and a recorded version of “Scotland the Brave” on the bagpipes. Averett President Dr. Tiffany M. Franks and Athletic Director Meg Stevens made brief remarks before Franks conferred two bachelor’s degrees and one master’s degree onto the three individuals. Presidential Spouse Joe Franks presented their alumni pins and with that, the softball trio had made it official – they had joined the ranks of more than 27,000 Averett alumni.

JALICIENSE RESTAURANT TO HOST ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY FIESTA

DANVILLE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM REQUESTS YOUR FEEDBACK IN THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SURVEY

The Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism has launched a survey to gather feedback from entrepreneurs and business owners, including small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses, in an effort to better understand each business’s unique needs, challenges, and experiences.

“Our local businesses are the lifelines of our community,” says Assistant Director, Kelvin Perry. “The City of Danville is invested in creating a more equitable and inclusive entrepreneurial environment that supports the needs of our small business owners.”

Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce

www.dpchamber.org

(T) 434.836.6990 | (F) 434.836.6955

150 Slayton Avenue | Danville, VA 24540