CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS
Member News is a monthly newsletter that provides news about Chamber members.
|
|
Visit the Chamber's calendar of events
|
|
Explore the 2022
annual report
|
|
Become an Innovation Partner
|
|
Submit an article for
Member News
|
|
|
SOVAH HEALTH- DANVILLE OPENS NEW PRIMARY CARE FACILITY |
|
THE LAUNCH PLACE ANNOUNCES EXIT FROM EARLY PORTFOLIO COMPANY |
|
The recent exit from one of The Launch Place’s earliest portfolio companies builds on its 11-year history of supporting technology startups in Virginia and North Carolina.
DANVILLE, Va., (April 11, 2023) — The Launch Place (TLP) today announces its third exit since making its first-ever investment in January 2014. This comes after its longtime portfolio company, Roobrik, raised a substantial $3 million Series A investment from growth equity firm Jurassic Capital in October 2022. The funding opens a new chapter for Roobrik’s growth and marks a strong return on investment for TLP—the startup’s first
institutional backer.
Based in Durham, North Carolina, Roobrik markets an online assessment and decision-science platform that engages adults and caregivers as they browse senior living or aging service providers’ websites. While educating visitors on their options, Roobrik simultaneously helps its partners tap into a “hidden audience” of consumers at key moments in the shopping experience.
Roobrik caught TLP’s eye soon after its founding in 2013 by entrepreneur Nate O’Keefe, who successfully exited his medical app startup three years earlier. TLP President and CEO Eva Doss recalls, “I was first attracted to Roobrik based on the rapidly growing senior care industry and their novel test developed to help family members make senior care decisions for their aging parents.”
|
|
NEW SOVA BEER TRAIL FEATURES LOCAL BREWERIES |
|
Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced that the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) awarded more than $300,000 for 64 local and regional tourism marketing programs across the state to help increase off-season visitation to tourism businesses and destinations.
2 Witches Winery & Brewing Company, Inc. received a $4,971 grant for the SOVA Beer Trail project. 2 Witches, located in Danville, partnered with five breweries across southern Virginia to collaborate and supply matching funds for the project that will officially establish the SOVA Beer Trail.
The trail will include Mountain Valley Brewing, Scuffle Hill Brewing Company, 2 Witches, Ballad Brewing, Factory Street Brewing and Buggs Island Brewing. The VTC funds will be used to create a logo for the SOVA Beer Trail, produce rack cards and advertise the trail in Virginia and North Carolina markets.
Julie Brown, president of 2 Witches, stated in a press release, “The VTC grant funds will allow our breweries to formalize what we were already doing; promoting each other to travelers who visit our taprooms.
|
|
RIVER DISTRICT ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES START-UP SLAM |
|
The River District Association is excited to announce, the next "Start-Up Slam" event will be on June 20th at Smokestack Theatre.
The "Start-Up Slam" event is modeled loosely after a poetry slam; it is a community-oriented event where people share a meal, share creative business ideas, make new friends, and network with both creative people and people who support creative people. Up to 15 participants at the event are welcome to share their new business idea with the crowd (3-minute limit), and attendees will be able to vote on their favorite at the end of the evening. The top vote-getter takes home all the cash collected at the door - no strings attached! No business plans and no requirements, just the following guidelines:
- Ideas must be new business ideas (not yet established).
- Those who wish to share their idea will put their name in at the door.
- Up to 15 names will be drawn randomly to present.
- Each presenter has 3 minutes to share one idea.
All are welcome to come. Folks may also attend just to be in the audience and listen. It is $10/person (cash only, under 5 free) so we may provide the prize on the spot at the end.
|
|
Start your Saturday off with a gorgeous all-levels yoga flow featuring fresh air and downtown city views on the rooftop at The Bee Hotel.
When: Saturday, May 20, 9 - 10am.
Location: The Bee Hotel
420 Patton Street, Danville
Registration required
|
|
VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY'S SEASON KICKS OFF |
|
VIRginia International Raceway’s Season Kicks Off Bringing Motorsports Fans to the Region
Two Major Spectator Events in May and June Promise Influx of Visitors
Alton, Va. – April 25, 2023 – VIRginia International Raceway (VIR) is kicking off its season of major spectator events in May, marking the beginning of what promises to be a busy tourism season for the Danville, Halifax and Pittsylvania County area. The two events, Hyperfest: The Automotive Amusement Park and the SRO GT World Challenge, will bring
tens of thousands of motorsports fans to the area in May and June.
The season gets underway with Haltech Hyperfest May 19-21. Hyperfest is one of the largest motorsports festivals on the East Coast and features road racing, car shows, ride-alongs, obstacle courses, karting, a kid zone, live music and more - truly something for everyone. The second event, the Fanatec SRO GT World Challenge America Powered by AWS will take place June 16-18, bringing the upper echelon of GT sports car racing to VIR.
Each of these events will bring both new and familiar faces to VIR and in turn, the surrounding areas, and an opportunity for our residents to show why we love the region so much.
|
|
GOD'S STOREHOUSE TO HOST GOLF TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER |
|
IALR SEEKING BUSINESSES TO HOST INTERNS, EDUCATORS |
|
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is seeking employers and businesses across Southern Virginia to partner and participate in several work-based learning programs, including the opportunity to host teacher externships and summer student internships.
Click the link below for more information.
|
|
CEA Summit East Returning to The Institute for Advanced Learning & Research
After a successful debut with more than 200 attendees in 2022, the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East is returning to the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research September 19-20, 2023. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con, the premier global gathering of the vertical farming/CEA sector focuses on convening the CEA industry and academia, including growers, educators, scientists, extension specialists, engineers, and other industry members.
|
|
IN THE KNOW: MEMBER TO MEMBER WEBINAR- IALR'S EXPANDING TALENT THROUGH REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP (ExTRA) PROGRAM
In the Know: Member to Member Webinars are designed for members to communicate their business’s message and provide educational opportunities to other members free of charge.
If you are an industry partner seeking to create or expand a program offering and promote registered apprenticeship as a quality work-based- learning opportunity for everyone ages 16+, join this zoom.
Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator II will provide details about The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research’s Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship (ExTRA) program. This program is designed to increase apprenticeship opportunities in the GO Virginia region 3. The IALR is a Virginia Division of Registered Apprenticeship intermediary that provides thorough stakeholder education about apprenticeship programs and benefits, step-by-step program development and registration assistance, and connections to resources that support program sustainability and visibility.
There are over 900 apprenticeable occupations in industries such as construction, healthcare, manufacturing, early childhood education, information technology, and more!
Presenter:
Natori Neal
Apprenticeship Coordinator II
Interested in hosting a member to member webinar? Contact the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce at chamber@dpchamber.org or 434.836.6990.
|
|
WENDELL SCOTT ACCEPTING CAMP CULTIVATION & INTERSHIP APPLICATIONS |
|
The Wendell Scott Foundation is now accepting registrations for its free Camp Cultivation to be held July 18-20, 2023 on the campus of Virginia State University, a historically black college (HBCU). Camp Cultivation is a unique residential overnight experience for bright, forward-thinking students who are rising 11th and 12th graders.
Free tuition is available for 50 Camp Cultivation students and will cover residence hall expenses, food, and transport during the three-day program. Students will explore the exciting world of science, engineering, and technology through hands-on activities, workshops, and simulations. To register for Camp Cultivation, register below.
College students or recent graduates can also apply for Summer Internships with the Wendell Scott Foundation. Interns will work alongside the Executive Director May 15 – August 18 to support data analysis research, develop grants & program collateral, and maintain databases. This meaningful opportunity guarantees a summer of learning, growth, and meaningful impact in your community. To apply for a Summer Internship, email info@wendellscott.org.
The Wendell Scott Foundation has funded thousands of dollars in programs and scholarships to youth from underserved and economically challenged communities. On December 1, 1963, Wendell Scott broke the color barrier, becoming the first and only African American NASCAR driver to win a Grand National race, NASCAR’s highest level. The Wendell Scott Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit inspired by Wendell Scott Sr. and provides services such as job-skill training, STEAM education opportunities, mentoring, and other supportive services to at-risk, underserved youth between the ages of 8 – 18 years in Danville, Virginia and surrounding areas.
|
|
WENDELL SCOTT FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NASCAR DAY GIVEATHON
We're excited to announce that The Wendell Scott Foundation is participating in The NASCAR Day Giveathon, celebrating NASCAR's 75th Anniversary with The NASCAR Foundation.
Donate to The Wendell Scott Foundation through the campaign at the link below, anytime during the 75-hour period from May 16th at 5 PM ET to May 19th at 8 PM ET.
|
|
SOUTHSIDE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE'S SCHOLARSHIP BOARD AWARDS RECORD NUMBER OF GRANTS |
|
Thirty graduating high school seniors in Southside Electric Cooperative’s service area are receiving Southside Opportunity Fund scholarships to help with the costs of higher education.
In late April, the SOF board selected the 30 recipients to receive $36,000 in scholarships after reviewing applications and personal statements from 47 students. The recipients, who represent 13 of the 18 counties served by SEC, received scholarships of either $2,000 or $1,000. Both the number awarded and the total in scholarship dollars are record amounts.
“By investing in the future of our young students, we are not only helping them achieve their personal goals, but we are investing in a brighter future for Southside Virginia,” said SEC President and CEO Jason Loehr.
Receiving $2,000 scholarships are Christine Hamilton, Appomattox County High School; Kenley Booth, Appomattox County High School; Kathryn Hamilton, Randolph-Henry High School; Kylie Atkins, Nottoway High School; Lynsey Butts, Matoaca High School; and Jocelyn Campos Tomas, Amelia County High School.
|
|
VIRGINIA FARM MARKET FRESH FOR SENIORS |
|
FARM MARKET FRESH FOR SENIORS (also known as the Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program) is now available through Southern Area Agency on Aging. Eligible seniors’ may receive $50 worth of checks that can be used to purchase locally-grown fresh fruits, vegetables and cut herbs at participating Farmer’s Markets. The number of people who can participate is limited. SAAA will take applications over the phone and in person.
- Learn more about the program and eligibility requirements below.
- Individuals and couples who wish to apply for checks must contact SAAA at 276-632-6442 or toll-free at 1-800-468-4571 | applicants must be prepared to certify total gross household income information when applying over the phone or in person.
|
|
AN EVENING WITH CLIFTON TAULBERT: THE ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET |
|
“Decrease your expenses while increasing your income. These are two fundamental aspects of creating wealth that have empowered entrepreneurs for generations. And, like the other lessons Uncle Cleve passed along, they do not require anything you do not already have. They are simple concepts anyone can apply.” Page 118, Clifton Taulbert, Who Owns the Ice House?
Join us for 'An Evening with Clifton Taulbert' to learn about "The Entrepreneurial Mindset". Taulbert will share insights gained from his journey as an entrepreneur that each of us can apply to our lives, no matter background or circumstances.
This is a community event open to the public! 🎉FREE! 🎉 (dinner provided)
|
|
INTERTAPE POLYMER GROUP RECEIVES THE 2023 ENERGY STAR PARTNER OF THE YEAR AWARD |
|
“We are proud and honored to receive the distinctive ENERGY STAR award for eight consecutive years,” stated Pete Durette, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IPG.
|
|
LEADERSHIP SOUTHSIDE ENROLLING NOW |
|
𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡!
3rd Tuesday of each month [August 2023-May 2024]
9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧'𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥?
We have added an additional session in May to include the Enneagram, Purpose-Driven Leadership, and Nonprofit Board Leadership
We have partnered with an Executive Coach to offer 1:1 Coaching Sessions and an abbreviated 360 Assessment
Apply today at the link below. Applications will close on Friday, June 16.
|
|
DCC ANNOUNCES COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER |
|
Danville Community College announced that McKenzie Snow, Deputy Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Virginia, will serve as the keynote speaker at this year's commencement ceremony. The event took place on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 10 a.m. in the Grant Center Gymnasium at Averett University’s North Campus.
As a highly respected education public servant, McKenzie Snow has dedicated her career to improving educational opportunities for all students. She was appointed as Deputy Secretary of Education of the Commonwealth of Virginia by Governor Glenn Youngkin in April 2022, and previously served as the New Hampshire Department of Education’s Division Director of Academics and Assessment, Special Education, Career Development, Adult Education, and Wellness and Nutrition following the appointment of Governor Chris Sununu and confirmation of the New Hampshire Executive Council. Snow also served in the federal government as a Special Assistant to the President at the White House Domestic Policy Council, Senior Adviser at the Office of Management and Budget, and K-12 Policy Director at the U.S. Department of Education.
Before government service, Snow was a Policy Director at the Foundation for Excellence in Education and taught remedial courses at the University of the Free State in South Africa. Snow has been named a Fulbright grantee, Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, and Presidential Leadership Scholar.
|
|
SHARSWOOD JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION |
|
GATEWAY HEALTH & THE BEE HOSTED BUSINESS AFTER HOURS |
|
Event attendees had the opportunity to network and enjoy scenic views of the River District from the Rooftop of The Bee. Everyone enjoyed food from Chamber Member, Crema & Vine.
Thank you to Gateway Health for being a member of the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce since 2001 and The Bee Hotel for being a member since 2021.
|
|
PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY LOVE SIGN TO BE DEDICATED |
|
Pittsylvania County LoveSign to be dedicated June 3, 2023
The community partners, who have been instrumental in the design and fabrication
of the new “Pittsylvania County LoveSign,” invite the public to attend the
dedication of the LoveSign to be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at
The Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex (ODAC), 19783 US-29, Chatham, VA
2453.
The LoveSign is a combined effort of the following individual partners and
organizations who have contributed funds, material and labor: Amthor
International, Inc., Southside Concrete Supply, Todd Breaux State Farm, Tim
Hilliard Marketing & Promotions, The Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex,
Chatham First, Chatham Rotary, The Homeplace Vineyard, Pittsylvania County,
Warren Shelton, PLLC, Elite Fabrication, and KG Graphics.
|
|
DANVILLE SCIENCE CENTER: CORKS & FORKS FUNDRAISER EVENT |
|
RUDY'S GIRL MEDIA CELEBRATES THEIR GRAND OPENING WITH A RIBBON CUTTING |
|
Chamber Member, Rudy’s Girl Media celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Tuesday at its location 30 W Main Street in uptown Martinsville. The business is a multimedia content development company focusing on film, television, short-form digital content, and social media content development.
Rudy’s Girl Media is known for its production of “Hometown Hustle” which just finished its second season. Season II featured two Danville area businesses, Nana Karen's on Main and Blush & Glow Spa.
|
|
DANVILLE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM OFFERS REGIONAL HOSPITALITY & TOURISM TRAINING PROGRAM |
|
THE HEALTH COLLABORATIVE SEEKS NEW MEMBERS FOR COORDINATING COMMITTEE |
|
Applications Now Open!
Being part of The Health Collaborative helps you advance the issues you care about most. There are many ways to be involved with varying levels of commitment and participation. See the Get Involved page on our website.
|
|
We are currently accepting applications for...
Coordinating Committee (CC) Members - The role of the CC is to build and maintain a strong and active collaborative structure with broad ownership and leadership opportunities, representing the diversity of the Dan River Region. The committee focuses on process, structure, and governance, not content. The strategies to address our vision areas (active living, food justice, quality healthcare, and healthy spaces) come from the chapters.
Coordinating Committee Action Team Members - In order to advance the major goals from the Committee’s annual work plan, members of the Coordinating Committee will co-lead Action Teams comprised of other Coordinating Committee members, collaborative partners, and residents with special skills or interest in the action team topic. Similar to the Coordinating Committee as a whole, these action teams will focus on process, structure, and governance, not content. Specific strategies for addressing our vision areas (active living, food justice, quality healthcare, and healthy spaces) will be developed within the chapters and their work groups.
2023 Action Teams will include:
-
Policy & Advocacy: This action team will create a process that allows THC and its partners to understand which policy issues are most important to local residents, to develop a policy agenda, and to advocate for federal, state, and local policy changes that support health for all people in the Dan River Region.
-
Professional Development & Learning: This action team will develop a mechanism for identifying, prioritizing, and providing learning opportunities to chapters, community partners, and residents based on their needs and goals.
-
Sustainability: This team will develop a sustainability plan to build capacity and secure funding for THC for the next 5-10 years. They will support learning and exploration around possible alternative collaborative governance models.
-
Health Equity Taskforce: The taskforce will provide conscious and intentional support for THC ensuring that there is alignment of strategies with THC’s Equity Principles in all areas of both internal and external work. The Health Equity Taskforce is an existing group that meets regularly and is seeking additional members.
-
Marketing and Communications: This action team will develop a clear messaging and communications plan for THC members and for the community that help us all articulate what we do, what we don’t do, our approach, the needs (including those outlined in the Health Equity Report) and the interconnectedness of our work across the region.
Application Deadline: Friday, June 16th at 5 pm
***Reminder that there is no application needed to join a taskforce, chapter, or chapter work group. If you want to be more involved with the Collaborative but don't think the Coordinating Committee is right for you, talk with your local Chapter Chair about ongoing projects and other opportunities to take the lead on an issue that matters to you.
If you have questions or would like to discuss what roles might be best for you, please contact Maggie Richardson at maggie@thehealthcollab.com or 434-766-6761.
|
|
(T) 434.836.6990 | (F) 434.836.6955
150 Slayton Avenue | Danville, VA 24540
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
