BUSINESS AFTER HOURS IN PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY

Join Us MONDAY for the first Business After Hours of 2024 hosted by

Countryside Service Company.

Date: March 11, 2024

Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Location: 5406 US Highway 29, Blairs, Virginia

Admission:

Free for Chamber Members

$10 for Prospective (non) Members

Food & Beverages Provided!

Explore Available Space!

Countryside Service Company has a fantastic property on Hwy 29 in Blairs, VA, available for sale or lease. Perfect for businesses seeking office space or looking to invest in prime real estate.

Networking Opportunities!

Business After Hours offers a relaxed setting to make new business contacts.

Connect with professionals and learn more about the vacant property.

Sponsored by Countryside Service Company:

Regional real estate developers, specializing in residential and multi-family housing, commercial, and industrial development.

Who Should Attend?

Chamber members looking to expand their network

Prospective members interested in exploring the available property

Businesses in search of new office space

Don't miss this chance to connect, network, and explore exciting business opportunities!

MOVEMENT BANK NEW LOCATION AND RIBBON CUTTING

DOCUSYSTEMS CELEBRATES 15 YEARS WITH A BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

DocuSystems will host a Business After Hours Event in April

• Celebrating 15 years in business
• Announcing a new business
• Demos available from both Konica Minolta copiers , 3-D printers, and Duplo duplicators along with product catalogues
• Catering by SoVA Local TasteDoor prizes

REGIONAL BUSINESS DISCOUNT TICKET OFFER

Dear Chamber Members,

We're thrilled to partner with Martinsville Speedway to bring you an exclusive offer for the upcoming 2024 Spring NASCAR Cup Series Race - the Cookout 400 on Sunday, April 7th!

Offer Details:

• Discounted Tickets ($34- $99)
• Date: April 7, 2024
• Offer Expires: March 16, 2024

This special offer is our way of celebrating our local partners, and we want to see the stands packed with our Chamber members on Race Day!

To secure your discounted tickets, simply scan the QR code on the flyer or click the link below.

Show Your Support for the Race:

As part of the race week festivities, we encourage our local businesses to join in the excitement by putting up "Welcome Race Fans" on your marquee from April 1 to April 7. Let's collectively showcase our warm, welcoming community spirit and show our appreciation for the additional revenue that the NASCAR race brings to our area.

Don't miss out on the excitement of the Cookout 400 – an event that promises thrills, speed, and an unforgettable experience! Let's show our support and make this race day a memorable one.

Thank you for being a valued member of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce.

Best regards,

Your Chamber Team

Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce

UNITED WAY OF DANVILLE PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY TO HOST 2ND ANNUAL MARCH MADNESS GOLF TOURNAMENT

DANVILLE PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PRESENTS RAISE THE ROOF

THE CHAMBER AND SORENSEN INSTITUTE PARTNER TO PRESENT

HOW TO BE A PUBLIC LEADER

A workshop designed to assist Danville and Pittsylvania County residents who are interested in running for public office or who may be interested in learning more about the election process.

Topics to include:

The State Board of Elections

Candidate Paperwork

Civic Engagement

The Public Servant & The Campaign

JALICIENSE RESTATURANT OFFERING AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE AND LUNCH SPECIALS

DANVILLE CONCERT ASSOCIATION PRESENTS AN UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT OF MUSIC & HARMONY

SMART SEMINAR: LETTING GO TO LEAD: MASTERING THE ART OF DELEGATION

Do you struggle to delegate projects, tasks, or responsibility? We get it – loosening the grip on control can be tough. But what if we told you that in that struggle lies the true art of leadership? Join us for a working session on "Letting Go to Lead: Mastering the Art of Delegation."

We'll dive into the truth on why delegation is hard – that fear of losing control, the worry that things won't be done just right. But here's the facts: by letting go a bit, you're not just lightening your load, you're empowering others. It's leadership in its purest form.

Discover how deliberate and intentional delegation is the key to not just getting things done, but getting them done well. We'll share stories, tips, and laughs as we navigate the fine line between a command and control leader and an empowering leader. Learn how to build a team that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and shared success.

So, if you are the one delegating, or the one being delegated to- or if you're ready to take your leadership game to the next level, this session will have something for you. Join us for a session that is designed to impart wisdom and build camaraderie, and let's work through the challenges of delegation together! Your career – and your team – will thank you for it!



COMPLIMENTARY EVENT FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS, LEADERSHIP SOUTHSIDE, AND WE LEAD

Register at the link below

Katie Beach has over 20 years of experience working with teams and developing leaders. With a diverse background in Division I athletics, healthcare, career services, and economic development, Katie has a unique range of perspectives to draw from while inspiring leaders. As a speaker, facilitator and leadership coach, Katie has a strong ability to create motion and momentum in others and her high energy engages groups both large and small. Katie thrives in her work by collaborating with clients to identify challenges, analyze symptoms, and strategize innovative solutions. Katie has a passion for increasing employee engagement by continuously improving the employee experience. Katie has both an undergraduate and master’s degree from East Carolina University and is a certified executive coach through the Center for Executive Coaching, a Talent Management Certified Professional, and a Certified Red Team Coach. 

Visit her website or LinkedIn. 

SEC PROVIDES LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

Local cooperative, statewide association provide scholarships for high school graduates

Southside Electric Cooperative and the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives are offering scholarships to help area high school graduates with the costs of higher education.

The Cooperative’s Southside Opportunity Fund is accepting scholarship applications through March 27. High school and home school graduates who receive electricity at their homes from SEC, are earning their diploma or GED by this fall and will be entering their first semester of college or trade/technical school this fall are eligible to apply for the $1,000 scholarships.

The scholarship board uses a combination of weighted criteria in selecting recipients: 45% financial need, 45% academic achievement and 10% personal statement. Scholarships are paid to the students’ schools for tuition, fees, lodging or textbooks. Proof of admission is required if selected for a scholarship.

Since the scholarship program started in 2016, 171 grants totaling $199,000 have been awarded. Additional dollars have been provided for students attending the Power Line Worker Training School in Blackstone.

More information, an application and list of documents that must be submitted can be found at sof.coop.

The Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives’ scholarship program is accepting applications through April 1. The program has application requirements and selection criteria like the Southside Opportunity Fund. Students can apply for both scholarship programs.

An application and more information can be found at vmdaec.com/scholarships.

GET THE FACTS ABOUT AFLAC FOR BUSINESSES

Contact Your Local Agent for more details:

Lewis Giles

District Sales Coordinator

AFLAC

13924 US Hwy.29

Chatham, VA 24531

Mobile#: 434-728-4924

Office#: 434-433-2375

EFax#: 888-217-3651

Email:  lewis_giles@us.aflac.com

WWHQ#: 800-99AFLAC

Website:  www.aflac.com

APPLICATION FOR 2024 RISE BUSINESS PITCH COMPETITION IS OPEN

Apply to pitch for a chance to win money to start or grow your business in Southern Virginia

2024 RISE Business Pitch Competition

Event Details

Date

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Time

3:00-7:00pm

Location

SVHEC Innovation Center

605 Seymour Drive, South Boston, VA 24592

Apply by March 20 for a chance to pitch your startup or business expansion idea on April 11!

RISE Collaborative is awarding over $10,000 in cash prizes in the 2nd Annual RISE Business Pitch Competition. Applications are due by 11:59PM ET on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. The pitch competition will be held on April 11, 2024. Details on criteria and eligibility requirements for the pitch competition can be found HERE. Questions? Please email us at hello@sovarise.com.

To become an event sponsor, please complete the sponsorship form by April 1, 2024.

SPCA OF PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY SEEKS SPONSORS FOR 2024

PUP-A-PALOOZA

WENDELL SCOTT SR. TO BE INDUCTED INTO 2024 AUTOMOTIVE HALL OF FAME

Wendell Scott Sr. has been named as a 2024 inductee into the 2024 Automotive Hall of Fame. The Induction & Awards Ceremony will take place on September 19 and will recognize a selection of global mobility pioneers. Widely considered the single greatest honor an individual can receive in the automotive industry, induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame is reserved for noteworthy individuals whose efforts helped shape the automotive and mobility marketplace.

News Article Shared From: Chatham Star Tribune

DANVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO HOST CTE CAREER EXPO

The Danville Public Schools' first annual CTE Career Expo will be on April 11, 2024, at The Institute for Advanced Learning & Research from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. The Career Expo is an opportunity for students to showcase their talents and connect with the broader community.  This allows your business to meet the future workforce and recruit local students to stay in Danville and work for your company! You may conduct on-site interviews if you wish.

Event Details:

Thursday, April 11, 2024

9:30am - 1:00pm

The Institute for Advanced Learning & Research

150 Slayton Ave

Danville, VA 24540

Businesses Register at the link below!

CENTER FOR EARLY SUCCESS OFFER SEVERAL EARLY CARE AND LEARNING WORKSHOPS FOR MARCH & APRIL

GET NOTICED IN SHOWCASE MAGAZINE'S EDITION OF OUR TOWN 24

CHAMBER PRESENTS TUSCANY/ ONE HOTEL HOLIDAY FOR FALL 2024

International Trip Zoom Call - 2024 Tuscany / One Hotel Holiday

Date: March 18, 2024

Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Event Location:

Zoom Meeting

Register here to receive the link to join the call.

Admission Info:

All travelers registered with a $450 deposit by March 31, 2024 will save $100 off the trip registration fee!

C I Destinations, in partnership with the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce, presents an International trip to Tuscany / One Hotel Holiday, departing October 15, 2024.  Tuscany is the most popular region in Italy.

Tuscany offers its numerous visitors the best of all things Italian starting with fine art. The capital, Florence, is considered the cradle of renaissance, and now one of the richest cities of art and culture. Tuscany is famous for its world-class art collections, charming medieval hill towns, and sweeping hillsides full of vineyards. Tuscany is where you have to go if you want to stand in a room full of Botticelli paintings or gaze upon Michelangelo’s “David”. You can’t find the home of Chianti wine or the town that produced “Under the Tuscan Sun” anywhere else. The region’s hill towns will provide a beautiful backdrop for the perfect Tuscan holiday you’ve always dreamed of experiencing.

Please note you do not have to be a chamber member to join this trip. The cost is $3,499 per person (save $100 register by March 31, 2024), the deposit is $450 per traveler. This cost includes air fare, seven nights of hotel accommodations at 4-star hotels, 10 meals (seven breakfasts, three dinners), sightseeing and admissions per itinerary, and a professional tour manager.  

To register for the trip, call the DPC Chamber at 434.836.6990 or email chamber@dpchamber.org. 

THE LAUNCH PLACE & DOMINION ENERGY INNOVATION CENTER ANNOUNCE IDEAFEST COLLABORATION

The Launch Place will collaborate with Dominion Energy Innovation Center (DEIC) for the 9th Annual IdeaFest on May 1, 2024 at 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. in Danville. IdeaFest is a business pitch competition where 20 finalists pitch their startup idea to a panel of judges and live audience. The top three competitors will be awarded $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place and $2,000 for third place. In addition, DEIC is sponsoring one $5,000 Clean Energy Bonus Prize intended for companies pitching concepts with a focus on climate tech and sustainability solutions.

According to Eva Doss, The Launch Place President and CEO, “We are thrilled to welcome DEIC to this year’s IdeaFest competition. DEIC is a catalyst for progress and innovation throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and is committed to supporting clean energy concepts and companies in the Dan River Region. The Launch Place invests in and advises many companies that are focused on ag-tech and clean tech. This partnership with DEIC is an extension of our mission to attract more clean tech entrepreneurs and startups to our ecosystem.”

"As we embark on this journey of climate innovation and collaboration, we are proud to partner with The Launch Place for IdeaFest. This collaboration exemplifies our shared commitment to nurturing sustainable solutions and fostering the entrepreneurial spirit throughout the Dan River Region. Together, we're empowering visionaries to transform ideas into impactful realities, driving positive change for our communities and our planet," said Braden Croy, Program Director of the DEIC.

In addition to the Clean Energy Bonus Prize, DEIC will also host a Meet-Up Lunch where members of the community or anyone interested in climate tech startups can attend and meet the team to learn more about DEIC’s mission, initiatives and programs. Registration is required for the Meet-Up Lunch from 12-1pm. DEIC will also facilitate a panel discussion during IdeaFest that addresses how startups can secure financing and incorporate clean energy best practices into their business plans.

IdeaFest applications are open through March 29, 2024. The competition exposes The Launch Place’s services and funds to start-up companies that are seeking early stage capital. Also, The Launch Place could potentially invest in the company from its Seed and Pre-Seed Funds. Click here to get more information about how to apply and register for the 9th Annual IdeaFest. The application deadline is March 29th!

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

DANVILLE PITTSYLVANIA CANCER BRIDGE 2 BRIDGE FUNDRAISER

RIVER DISTRICT ASSOCIATION PRESENTS: BACKING SMALL BUSINESSES GRANT PROGRAM INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR

Wednesday, March 13 at 11 a.m. CT

Join Main Street America and American Express for an informational webinar on Wed., March 13 at 11 a.m. CT to learn about the Backing Small Businesses grant program, presented by American Express. This year, Backing Small Businesses will provide 500 small business grants of $10,000 to eligible businesses in the U.S. and U.S. territories. Grantees who receive the initial $10,000 grant will be eligible to apply for an Enhancement Grant of an additional $30,000 later in the year. 

The webinar is open to both small business owners and the Main Street leaders that support them. 

In partnership with American Express, the Backing Small Businesses grant program supports economically vulnerable and under-resourced small businesses with community reach. This year, eligible small business owners can apply for a $10,000 grant for projects that grow or improve their businesses by building community, supporting their economic viability, or bolstering meaningful change. 

The webinar will focus on the following topics:

- Application overview and what types of questions to expect 

- What makes a strong application 

- Who is eligible to apply 

- What documents applicants should have when filling out the application 

Click the button below to register now! 

MATTERS OF THE HEART: AVERETT RECEIVES FUNDS TO PUMP UP HEART HEALTH SAFETY MEASURES

On this Valentine’s Day, during American Heart Month, Averett University announces recent grant funding that will bolster the University’s heart health equipment and safety measures.  

Averett received $15,000 from the *Community Foundation of the Dan River Region to purchase and install five additional automated external defibrillator (AED) units for its campuses across the region and to provide lifesaving safety courses for members of the University community. 

The program developed through this grant includes a comprehensive plan outlining the optimal placement of AED machines on Averett’s campuses, taking into consideration factors such as geographical distribution, accessibility and proximity to areas with higher risks or activities more prone to sudden cardiac events. It ensures regular maintenance and monitoring of the AED machines for functionality and readiness and outlines routine checks, battery replacements, electrode pad inspections and necessary equipment upgrades. 

For the Averett Family, this is pretty personal.  

One year ago, Averett School of Nursing Associate Professor Karen Oaks suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while working in the University’s Riverview Campus. Oaks’ School of Nursing colleagues Wendy Childress, Jay Hatfield and Kimberly Lott, jumped into immediate action by starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), grabbing the University’s AED placed just 17 steps away, and initiating a shock, together resuscitating Oaks until first responders arrived to transport her to the hospital.  

Dear Hospitality Professionals,



Averett University is excited to announce the launch of its free Elevating Hospitality Excellence Workshop in conjunction with American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Certification Program. This is a grant program from the City of Danville to invest in individuals who promote excellence in the hospitality industry.

Averett will hold monthly leadership training and development seminars starting April 9, 2024. These workshops will be held on the second Tuesday of each month from 9 –11 a.m.

In today's competitive job market, having industry-recognized certifications has a significant impact on your career advancement and earning potential. AHLEI is renowned for its commitment to excellence in hospitality education, and its certification program is no exception. Enrolling in our program allows you access to world-class resources, expert instruction and a globally recognized certification that can open doors to exciting opportunities in the hospitality industry.

Fill out the form at the link below to register and receive your FREE Training Voucher Today!

If you have any questions, please contact Thomas Perugini, Averett University's Program Director for Hospitality Management and Tourism, at tperugini@averett.edu or (434)-791-5773.

WOMACK PUBLISHING PRESENTS VEGAS BY THE DAN

 Do you want your business to be featured in the hottest new magazine in SOVA?

 Womack Publishing, parent company of the Star-Tribune, is launching Vegas by the Dan, a full-color, glossy magazine packed with things to do and places to see for guests of the Caesars Virginia casino.

 This publication will be their go-to guide for all of the things they simply must do while experiencing our community--and the best way to make sure visiting your business is one of them is to advertise!

 Convinced yet? Give Rachel a call today to lock in your spot at 434-203-1058 or email rnanney@chathamstartribune.com to make it happen. After all, betting on yourself (and your business) is the safest gamble you can make! 

CITY TO HOST SOUTHERN VIRGINIA REGIONAL PROCUREMENT FAIR

The City of Danville will host the Southern Virginia Regional Procurement Fair on April 10 to provide an opportunity for local businesses to meet with government and private sector buyers of supplies or services. In partnership with Caesars Virginia, the Danville-Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce, and Black Business Collaborative, the fair will seek to educate local service businesses about the procurement process, provide networking opportunities, and showcase presentations on obtaining capital and becoming Small, Women, and Minority (SWaM) certified.

Read the full news release at the link below.

SOUTHERN PIEDMONT TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL ALONG WITH IALR PRESENT MANUFACTURING ADVANCEMENT IN SOUTHERN VIRGINIA

Join the Southern Piedmont Technology Council as we hear from the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research's Tim Robertson, Chief Operating Officer for Manufacturing Advancement. During our program, he will discuss the latest in manufacturing advancement and provide SPTC with a tour of IALR's CMA building, where industry 4.0 is being conducted!

When: March 26th at 12 p.m.

Where: Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

150 Slayton Ave. Danville, VA 24540

DANVILLE FESTIVAL IN THE PARK- 50TH ANNIVERSARY SAVE THE DATE