News from Our Chamber Members

June 2023

CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS

Member News is a monthly newsletter that provides news about Chamber members.

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THE PARTNERSHIP FOR REGIONAL PROSPERITY (PRP) PRESENTS

"WHAT DID THE BIG SORT REVEAL?"

Join the Partnership for Regional Prosperity on Wednesday, June 21 from 7:30 am to 10:30 am as they interpret the results of The Big Sort, the community workshops where participants prioritized regional challenges and opportunities aligned with growth.

The program also will feature Greg Payne of Economic Leadership LLC presenting “Growth Goes Where It’s Easiest," case studies of communities facing opportunities for significant growth. Then, the Partnership will share the next steps in its work and invite your input.

Registration is required by clicking the link below.

Cost is $10 and includes a full breakfast. See you there!

SOVAH HEALTH- DANVILLE MEN'S HEALTH MONTH DISCUSSION

Sovah ENT & Allergy - Danville

Philip Zapanta, MD

With the sunny days, warm weather, and the unofficial start of summer, men are spending more days outside. Here are 2 quick health hacks that we, men, often forgot about or just don’t want to do:

Hearing protection! While it may not be the cool thing to do, wearing hearing protection while mowing our grass, cutting our fields, or whacking some weeds will pay huge dividends down the road. It will help preserve our hearing so we can communicate better as we age and hopefully prevent troublesome noise-induced ringing (tinnitus) in our ears.
Sun protection! As we enjoy our time in the great outdoors, we need to protect our skin from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation that can increase our risk for skin cancers. Frequent use of sunscreen and even wearing hats will help protect our skin from radiation. We need to remember to put sunscreen on our nose, ears, and our increasingly balding scalps. Using lip balm with a high SPF will also help protect our lips from lip cancer.

THE LAUNCH PLACE ANNOUNCES FED UP TO START UP BOOK LAUNCH

If you tried to register and saw we were sold out, then you're in luck! We've added additional spots for you to join us.

The Launch Place is thrilled to invite you to one of our own's exciting book launch parties next month! Robbie Hardy, entrepreneur and start-up founder, The Launch Place Seed Fund Board Member and Founder and Chair of xElle Ventures, is releasing her second book, Fed Up to Start Up, on June 13th at First Flight Venture Center (2 Davis Drive, Durham, NC 27709) from 5-7pm.

Each attendee will receive one complimentary signed copy of Fed Up to Start Up and will have the opportunity to hear some of Robbie's enriching experiences and entertaining stories as an investor and entrepreneur in the startup and corporate sectors. Additional copies of Fed Up to Start Up and Robbie's first book, Upsetting the Table, will be available for purchase.

Reserve your seat and your copy of the book here!

Big thanks to Sarah Glova and WRAL TechWire for this excellent article highlighting Robbie Hardy’s new book, Fed Up to Start Up.

RIVER DISTRICT ASSOCIATION AWARDS OVER $52K IN START-UP FUNDS

Two new businesses and one business expansion are heading to the River in the coming months

The River District Association (RDA) has awarded three businesses $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 area 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 Chamber of Commerce (for locations in Pittsylvania County, or in Danville outside of the River District).

Dream Launch, now finishing the 5th year of the program, saw registration of 179 for Dream Launch Bootcamp classes; 113 participants attended at least one class; 76 completed all 6 classes to earn a Certificate of Completion; and 5 business plans were pitched to judges in the Dream Launch Pitch Competition in April.

The River District Association (RDA) is excited to be hosting another session of “Start-Up Slam.” Modeled after a poetry slam, it is a fun 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!

The next Start-Up Slam will be on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, 6 pm to 8 pm at Smokestack Theatre Company, 319 Lynn Street. This event will feature some networking activities AND a special performance by Smokestack Theatre's Improv Group!

Anyone in the community is invited to attend (reservation required, limit 100 people). For just $10 per person (cash only at the door), you can join other members of the community to have a simple meal - and share some of those great ideas that you keep thinking up. Anyone age 5 and up can share their good business idea. Children under 5 can attend at no cost but will not get to vote for their favorite idea.

or calling 434-791-0210.

RISE DISPENSARY RIBBON CUTTING EVENT

Danville, VA welcomes it's first Medical Marijuana Dispensary! Join us to celebrate the Ribbon Cutting Event for RISE Dispensary.

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Beginning at 12:30 P.M.

816 W. Main Street

Danville, VA

Meet Their Team | Learn about Med Card Benefits | Complimentary Swag | Food & Drinks

THE BEE HOTEL WINS 2022 TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS' CHOICE AWARD

Tripadvisor has recognized The Bee Hotel as a 2022 Travelers’ Choice award winner as one of the top 10% of hotels worldwide! The award celebrates businesses that have received excellent reviews from travelers around the globe over the last 12 months. Approaching the third anniversary since opening in November 2020, The Bee stood out by consistently delivering positive experiences to travelers.

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the Travelers’ Choice award winners from 2022. After opening in late 2020, our team has worked diligently to build relationships with our guests, provide customized experiences for all, and establish The Bee as the premier boutique lodging venue in our region. We are so thankful for our wonderful guests that continuously leave us stellar reviews on Tripadvisor, highlighting our beautifully restored property and top of the line accommodations,” said Madison Eades, General Manager at The Bee Hotel. “We strive to provide excellent hospitality to every guest, and we are working to add additional amenities constantly, with our next focus being breakfast. This will include freshly brewed ‘Bee blend’ coffee from our local partner, Callands Coffee, in addition to complimentary continental breakfast each morning.”

“Congratulations to the 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Winners,” said Kanika Soni, Chief Commercial Officer at Tripadvisor. “The Travelers’ Choice Awards recognize the best in tourism and hospitality, according to those who matter most: your guests. Ranking among the Travelers’ Choice winners is always tough — but never more so than this year as we emerge from the pandemic. Whether it's using new technology, implementing safety measures, or hiring outstanding staff, I’m impressed by the steps you've taken to meet travelers' new demands. You've adapted brilliantly in the face of adversity."

To see traveler reviews and popular features and amenities of The Bee Hotel, visit https://tinyurl.com/beetripadvisor

LA JALICIENSE TAQUERIA RIBBON CUTTING EVENT

The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce another Ribbon Cutting Event! We celebrate La Jaliciense Taqueria with their Ribbon Cutting Event.

Thursday, June 15, 2023

12:00 P.M.

691 W. Main Street

Danville, VA

This new restaurant brings new flavor and flare to West Main Street in Danville. We are excited to celebrate this new restaurant and introduce them to the community. They will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Come try their delicious authentic Mexican food! Door Prizes & More!

VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY SRO GT WORLD CHALLENGE

Fanatec GT World Challenge Powered by AWS is an international championship organized by SRO Motorsports Group in which leading manufacturers compete through their continental customer racing programmes. The 2023 season consists of sprint and endurance events in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia, with a group of elite brands battling for top spot. Click to see See the Provisional Schedule.

Event Dates: June 16-18

GOD'S STOREHOUSE TO HOST GOLF TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER

STATE FARM TRICIA GAMMON INSURANCE AGENCY RIBBON CUTTING

We are excited to announce the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of State Farm Tricia Gammon Insurance Agency as we celebrate their new location and 7 years in business! We are happy to see such success for our Chamber Members and are excited for this celebration!

IALR ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is pleased to announce Dr. John H. Hughes IV as Executive Vice President, Operations, effective June 1. Most recently serving as the Assistant City Manager for Lynchburg, Va., Hughes brings nearly two decades of experience in government operations, administration and service. He will serve as the chief business and operations officer and will report directly to IALR President Telly D. Tucker.

“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Hughes to the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research team,” said Tucker. “As we continue to position Southern Virginia as a destination where all can live and thrive, I am confident Dr. Hughes’ leadership background, operations experience and creative approach to community building will help us ensure the exceptional quality and operational excellence our communities and employees deserve.”

Having previous experience with workforce training, continuing education, human services and more, Hughes is fascinated by IALR’s mission to catalyze regional economic transformation.

“I am humbled and inspired to join a progressive and innovative organization focused on revolutionizing the economic landscape of Southern Virginia,” Hughes said. “With its state-of-the-art facilities, innovative programs and dynamic people, IALR positively influences Southern Virginia and beyond. I look forward to contributing to that mission of continued, tangible impact.”

Hughes will serve as the chief business and contractual liaison for IALR operational matters with IALR partners. One of his primary responsibilities will be leading the functions organized within IALR’s business and operations departments, including Communications, Technology, Facilities and the Institute Conference Center as well as Applied Research. Hughes will focus on aligning IALR’s administrative systems, policies, structure and procedures to the organization’s five-year strategic plan. He will also focus on developing leadership in a rapidly growing organization to ensure continuity and sustainability into the future.

REACH AMERICORP PROGRAM SEEKS COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUMMER STEM EDUCATORS

The REACH AmeriCorps program is seeking community health educators to serve approximately 25 hours a week over nine months (September 2023-August 2024) in Danville, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County, N.C. REACH AmeriCorps members will conduct workshops over 40 weeks in targeted census tracts.

LEARN MORE

The Dan River Year AmeriCorps program is seeking Summer STEM Educators who can provide direct and indirect service support to site(s) during summer camps, bridge programs and family STEM activities. Members will focus on building and introducing curriculum and activities for students, helping prepare them for middle school to improve their literacy, math and/or STEM skills.

LEARN MORE

IN THE KNOW: MEMBER TO MEMBER WEBINAR

IALR'S ExTRA PROGRAM

IN THE KNOW: MEMBER TO MEMBER WEBINAR- IALR'S EXPANDING TALENT THROUGH REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP (ExTRA) PROGRAM

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

12:00 P.M.- 1:00 P.M.

Via Zoom

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

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.

Interested in hosting a member to member webinar? Contact the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce at chamber@dpchamber.org or 434.836.6990.

SOVA LEGAL ANNOUNCES NEW ASSOCIATE

SoVa Legal is thrilled to welcome their new associate, Melanie Kendrick! A native of Patrick County, Melanie is a graduate of Virginia Tech and the Elon University School of Law.

They are also hosting two law students as summer associates: Summer Allen of Wake Forest University School of Law (May and June) and Kelsey Palacios of UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law (July and August).

SHARSWOOD JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

DANIEL, MEDLEY & KIRBY, P.C. NAMES NEW PARTNER

The law firm of Daniel, Medley & Kirby, P.C. announces that Panagiotis “Pete” C. Kostopanagiotis is the firm’s newest partner.

Kostopanagiotis joined the firm as an associate in April 2019.

“I am honored to be presented with the opportunity to continue to serve Danville, Martinsville, and the surrounding areas as a member of this exceptional firm,” said Kostopanagiotis.

The law firm has seven attorneys at its offices in Danville and Martinsville.

Kostopanagiotis’ practice includes general civil litigation, landlord-tenant law, real estate, business law, debt collection, estate planning and estate administration. He will continue to work with clients in both of the firm’s offices.

“We are so fortunate to have Pete decide to stay in Danville and to join our firm,” James A. L. Daniel, a partner with the firm, said. “We know he will be a tremendous addition to the community and to our group for years to come.”

A native of Danville, and the son of former local restaurateurs, Gus and Joanne Kostopanagiotis, Kostopanagiotis attended George Washington High School where he played soccer, was involved in the school’s yearbook and held officer positions in the Key Club and Civics Club. From there, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia and continued his community involvement by becoming a member of Circle K and regularly volunteering at the Madison House in Charlottesville.

He obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law, where he was a member of Phi Alpha Delta and was involved in one of the school’s business law journals, prior to returning home to Danville to begin practicing law.

CLIFTON TAULBERT "WHO OWNS THE ICE HOUSE" BOOK CLUB

Join us for a book club discussion of Clifton Taulbert's book "Who Owns the Ice House." The discussion is hosted by @thedogearedpagedanville , The Dog-Eared Page in the River District! It's free, fun, and there will be some food! For those who register for the book club (registration required), free copies of the book can be picked up at The Dog-Eared Page (525 Main Street). You must register to receive a copy.

The book is also available digitally from the Ruby B. Archie Public Library on the app Hoopla. Download Here

Library cards for digital access (Can be mailed to you!) Available here.