We proudly announce the most recent members to the Chamber of Commerce. Please welcome them with your business and support:

MedExpress Urgent Care
Rhiannon Giunta
133 Enterprise Drive
Danville, VA 24540
(304) 282-1579
Physicians & Surgeons

Meridian Associates, Inc.
David Collie
1315 Freeway Drive
Reidsville, NC 27320
(336) 496-3038
Engineers/Architects/Surveyors

Noblis
Will Mitchell
527 Bridge Street, Suite C
Danville, VA 24541
(434) 549-8700
Business & Management - Development & Consultants

Security Zone
Mark Matherly
363 Central Blvd.
Danville, VA 24540
(434) 793-9554
Services

Unique Industries
Bill Davis
225 Toy Lane
Blairs, VA 24527
(434) 835-0068 
Distribution and Warehouses

Verizon Wireless
Debi Newell
1330 Plantation Road
Roanoke, VA 24012
(540) 520-0000
Communications-Telecommunications and Telephone

Thank you to the following businesses and organizations that renewed their membership investment between September 27, 2012 – October 24, 2012:

• Shahnaz M. Ahmed
• Best Western Windsor Inn and Suites
• Checkered Pig BBQ & Ribs
• Compton & Nichols Inc, C&N Storage
• Courtyard by Marriott
• Crosscountry Mortgage, Inc.
• Dameron Plumbing & Heating
• Danville Regional Foundation
• Elliott Electric
• Global Food Connection, Inc.
• Home Recovery HomeAid
• Lawson-Overbey Inn
• C. Edward Neal
• Orkin Pest Control
• Paradise Lake & Campground
• Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
• Sam’s Club
• Shanks Associates
• Smith Funeral Services
• State Farm Insurance - David Satterfild, Agent
• Tune & Toler, Inc.
• Williams Transportation and Storage, Inc.
• Winstead Insurance

Danville Community College’s President Carlyle Ramsey recently announced he will retire in 2013.  Ramsey’s retirement coincides with the college’s announcement that the school has reached its capital campaign goal of over $7 million. Read more…

Pittsylvania County Community Action, Inc. announces the retirement of its Executive Director Sherman M. Saunders.  A reception and dinner commemorating Saunders’ 43 years of service and dedication will be held on Saturday, November 10, from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research located at 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville. Tickets are $25 per person. Tickets will only be sold in advance. To order your ticket, contact Berdnett Witcher at 434-432-5627 by October 31.

Glenn Pulley, a member and president of the Danville-based law firm Clement & Wheatley, was recently named Chairman of the Virginia State Committee of the American College of Trial Lawyers.  Read more…

The Historic North Theatre is happy to have Danville’s classic rock radio station, 1045 The Dan, present THE RETURN-The Beatles Tribute Band at the theatre, 629 N. Main Street, Danville, on Friday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m.  This one night only show will benefit the Danville Salvation Army.  Attendees are asked to bring a can good to benefit the Salvation Army Holiday Food Drive.  Tickets have been specially discounted to $25, $20, $15, and $10.  They are available by calling the theatre box office at 434-793-SHOW (7469) or online at www.TheNorthTheatre.com. Read more…

At a gala event held at Averett University's E. Stuart James Grant Convocation and Athletic Center, school leaders announced that Averett is embarking on the first comprehensive Capital Campaign in its 153-year history with a goal of $25 million. The university has received over $19 million in contributions and pledges during the "first phase" of its campaign. Read more…

National Tire Research Center showcased a new tire testing machine at the Virginia International Raceway complex touted to revolutionize the industry. Made in Minneapolis by MTS Systems Corporation, the “Flat-Trac LTRe” can run a tire up to 200 miles per hour. It can provide data on handling, ride, torque and braking capabilities on various surfaces, even wet road conditions. It is built to handle tires for cars and light trucks. Connie Nyholm, co-owner of VIR, says motorsports teams are excited about the possibilities for the new machine at the NTRC. Read more…

DanChem Technologies, a custom chemical manufacturer that makes a variety of products, including dental adhesives, animal feed additives and specialty polymers, will celebrate the opening of its Advanced Technology Center. The new building, a 5,000-square foot facility on DanChem’s 55-acre campus, has three physically-separated suites. The suites allow the company to do two things: Create more small and mid-size batches of its products, and keep their customers’ secrets.  Read more…

Broadband Communities Magazine has chosen Danville as the site for its first Economic Development Conference Series, Community Fiber Networks. This is the first conference of its kind in the country — an event devoted entirely to the relationship between a community’s economic vitality and the presence of advanced broadband networks. The magazine chose Danville as the Comeback City because of its efforts toward bouncing back from devastation with a visionary broadband strategy that is creating jobs and attracting the businesses and industries of tomorrow. Read more…

Scores of pet owners and their fluffy friends came out to help the Animal Medical Center of Danville celebrate the grand opening of its new Barking Lot, a doggie daycare and boarding service. Read more…

Sandra T. Chinn-Gilstrap, known for her trial practice and advocacy of family and domestic-law clients as well as mental health patients, has joined the Danville office of Woods Rogers PLC. Read more…

Hargrave Military Academy has named John Smith as the new Chief Development Officer. Smith has a strong background in military, education and fundraising. These collective experiences place him in a great position to serve the Cadets and support the entire Hargrave family. Read more…

nTelos Wireless recently announced that it has activated two new cell sites that will enhance coverage in Pittsylvania County. Read more…

Commonwealth Document Management, a company of the Commonwealth Group, recently earned AAA Certification Status with the National Association for Information Destruction for mobile shredding and hard drive destruction services. Read more…

Congressman Robert Hurt recently presented the Longwood University SBDC Small Business of the Year Award to one small business owner in each of Longwood’s five office regions. For the Danville region, the award recipient was Dr. Jeff Smith and Mount Hermon Animal Clinic. Dr. Smith started the Veterinary Emergency Treatment Fund in 2011 to help those that need financial assistance with veterinary bills for an illness or injury to a pet. He and his staff also participate in career days at local schools and offer student shadowing programs and volunteer programs. Read more…

Ryan Barber has been named deputy director of the Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville.  As the state museum of natural history for the Commonwealth, VMNH has award-winning programs in scientific research and collections, state-wide education programs, and exhibits both at the museum and at sites throughout the region. Read more…

The City of Danville Economic Development Office recently announced the grand opening of The Attic Hound in the River District.  The Attic Hound is a retail and consignment store that sells antiques, refurbished and repurposed furniture, and a variety of gift items. Read more…   Also, the Economic Development Office announced that Norhurst Inc. has purchased the former Dan River Executive Campus at 2291 Memorial Drive in Danville to expand its operations and relocate several key positions from Northern Virginia. Read more…

Averett University's theatre and music departments will "give 'em an act with lots of flash in it and the reaction will be passionate" as they "Razzle Dazzle" the region with its performance of "Chicago" Nov. 1-3 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 4 at 2:30 p.m. in Pritchett Auditorium. Read more…

Hospice Support Services has dissolved and transferred its assets to The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region. The new Hospice Support Services Fund will make grants to area nonprofit agencies to provide assistance with expenses not covered by insurance to Danville-Pittsylvania residents who have elected hospice benefit.  Read more…  

Team Nurse Gretna located at 1372 W. Gretna Road, Gretna, will host a blood drive on Friday, November 2, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Call (434) 656-6000 or go to www.RedCrossBlood.org to make your appointment to save a life TODAY.

Blackwell Automotive owner and dealer Torrey Blackwell and sales Manager John Thurman presented a $2,360 donation to Tunstall High School. Blackwell worked with Tunstall High School’s Booster Club to host a Dodge test-drive fundraiser. Dodge brand donated $20 to the Booster Club for every test drive.

The University of Virginia’s Weldon-Cooper Center for Public Service is conducting a study of the economic impact of agriculture in the Dan River Region. The Danville Regional Foundation has provided a $25,000 grant for the Olde Dominion Agricultural Foundation to pay for the study.  Read more…

The 26^th Annual Louie Fields 5K Race and All you can eat Pancakes will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2012 from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Free Breakfast and T-Shirt to all Racers! All proceeds go towards YMCA Youth Scholarship fund. Read more…

The forum will feature four panelists, two each on either side of uranium mining issues, and will be free and open to the public from 7 to 8:30 p.m. that Tuesday evening.

Panelists will include Patrick M. Wales, project manager of Virginia Uranium Inc.; Stephen S. Fuller, director of the Center for Regional Analysis in George Mason University's School of Public Policy; Jay Poole, spokesman for the Alliance for Progress in Southern Virginia; and Bob Burnley, an adviser to the Alliance for Progress in Southern Virginia.

Moderator of the forum will be Bob Gibson, executive director of the Sorensen Institute and a 34-year veteran political writer from Charlottesville.

The forum will also be streamed live via the Chamber's website (www.dpchamber.org) on the evening of October 2nd and will be available after the event by going to the Chamber's website under "News & Events."

We proudly announce the most recent members to the Chamber of Commerce. Please welcome them with your business and support:

Blue Ridge Fiberboard
Mark Custer
250 Celotex Drive
Danville, VA 24541
434- 797-1321
Building Materials

Excelen Performance, Inc.
Kristina Barkhouser
3604 Riverside Drive
Danville, VA 24541
434-797-6770
Business & Management - Development & Consultants

Piedmont Labs
Jake Patterson
115 Mall Drive
Danville, VA 24540
434-792-5227
Laboratories

Preserve Resources
Charlie Wright
901 Industrial Avenue
Danville, VA 24541
434-799-2830
Recycling


Thank you to the following businesses and organizations that renewed their membership investment between August 31, 2012 – September 26, 2012: 

• A Nurse's Touch Home Care
• Advanced Home Care
• Altavista Vineyards
• American Red Cross,  Roanoke Valley Chapter - Danville Office
• Bassett Office Supply
• Benton-Thomas Office Products
• Terry Blakely State Farm Insurance
• Boys & Girls Clubs of the Danville Area
• Chatham Health and Rehabilitation Center
• Clerk of Circuit Court Danville, Virginia
• Comfort Inn & Suites
• Commonwealth Pharmacy
• Computer Clinic Inc.
• Curves
• Danville Area Association for Arts & Humanities
• Don's Auto Recycling
• Fall Creek Farm Bed and Breakfast
• Fraternal Order of Eagles Piedmont Aerie 4420
• G & W Associates
• Gardner, Barrow, Sharpe & Reynolds,  P.C.
• GENEDGE ALLIANCE - Headquarters
• Gretna Little Theatre, Inc.
• HD Web Studio
• Home Oxygen & Medical Equip Co.
• Maurakis Appraisal Services, Inc.
• Pittsylvania County Sheriff Department/Jail
• Precision Electronic Services, Inc.
• Prescott Financial Management
• Rocky Womack Communications
• SleepyGoat Cheese
• Southside Business Technology Center
• Swedwood Danville LLC
• The Stone Shoppe, Inc.
• Tightsqueeze Hardware
• Wayne Wilson & Company
• Williamsburg Village Apartments
• Your Stuff & Kids Stuff

The City of Danville Economic Development Office and Pittsylvania County Economic Development Office recently announced that three hundred new manufacturing jobs are coming to the Danville area. GOK International, a Chinese furniture assembler, plans to locate its sales and headquarters office in the Old Belt No. 1 building on Bridge Street in Danville, while the company’s assembly and showcase operations will be in a new 40,000-square-foot shell building at Cane Creek Centre in Ringgold. Read more…

Danville Regional Medical Center announced plans for a second Emergency Department in Danville — a free-standing facility that will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and designed to treat people with all types of ailments and medical needs. It will be located at 125 Executive Drive in the building currently occupied by Danville Orthopedic & Physical Therapy Clinic, which will be moving to the River District. Read more…

The Barkhouser Free Enterprise Center is bringing a cookie (and business) master to Danville. Danville Community College will welcome Wally Amos, founder of the famous Amos Cookie Co., at 11 a.m. on October 11 in DCC’s Oliver Hall Auditorium. Read more… Following Amos’s talk, Danville community College will induct five entrepreneurs into their Small Business Hall of Fame. Read more…

Intertape Polymer Group’s Danville plant is celebrating its 25th anniversary of manufacturing operations in Danville. Beginning in 1987 with a base of only 50 employees in an 80,000 square foot facility, Intertape today employs nearly 300 people and has facilities encompassing more than 500,000 square feet including a regional distribution center, according to a company news release. Read more…

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research has named local business leader and entrepreneur Michael J. Duncan as deputy director, a newly created position. Duncan will manage day-to-day operations and report to Executive Director Liam Leightley, who remains in the leadership position he has held at the Institute since October 2008. Read more…

Learning how to change negative attitudes into positive ones is the theme of the Danville Regional Foundation’s community-wide reading initiative this year. The book chosen is “Redirect: the Surprising New Science of Psychological Change,” by Tim Wilson, a psychology professor at the University of Virginia. Read more…

Checkered Pig's ribs were ranked fifth place out of 24 teams in the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off that was held in Sparks, Nevada. The trophy now joins many others at the restaurant, boasting years of barbecuing glory. Read more…

Averett University moved up seven spots in the college rankings released by U.S. News & World Report, according to a news release from Averett. In the 2013 edition of Best Colleges, Averett ranked 27th among Regional Colleges (South), up from the 34th spot last year. Averett is the highest ranked Virginia school among the 79 top tier schools listed as Regional Colleges. According to the magazine, schools in this category “are focused almost entirely on the undergraduate experience and offer a broad range of programs in the liberal arts.”

Hundreds of people in the Dan River Region took part in a video mash-up of “Call Me, Maybe” for Get Fit Dan River Region last month. The video, a rendition of the Carly Rae Jepsen hit, was to promote a healthy lifestyle in an area with high obesity rates. At the national conference for community medical centers, Caswell Family Medical Center submitted the video in a competition for promotional videos. Stephanie Ferrugia, the Get Fit program director who organized the video, said she think theirs had an edge because it was fun, comical and trendy. Read more…

Danville Utilities has announced the appointment of its new director, Steve Saum of Richmond, Ind. Saum was selected after a nationwide search and will begin his new post October 1.  Read more…

Danville Outback Steakhouse would like to welcome the new proprietor, Jason Jones. Please stop by and welcome Jason to the community. Also, Outback would like to wish Jimmy Russell the best on his new adventure.

Providing youth with opportunities to continue to learn and engage in meaningful activities at the end of the school day can boost their academic success. To help motivate and inspire kids to learn, the Danville Family YMCA is offering an afterschool program to school-aged children throughout Danville/Pittsylvania County. The Y’s afterschool program combines academics with play and offers a caring and safe environment for youth who would otherwise be left unsupervised.

Karen’s Hallmark, one of the first stores in Piedmont Mall when it opened in 1984, is celebrating 28 years in business and is still going strong. Although at first glance it seems to be only a small shop, Karen’s Hallmark has become a major behind-the-scenes advocate for the community. Karen Johnston, who owns the shop, said she feels very fortunate to have such loyal customers that come to buy cards, Christmas ornaments, souvenirs, and gifts. Read more…

People tuning into the radio station 103.7 FM are no longer hearing the latest pop hits. Lakes Media LLC, which owns the station, has launched Country Legends 103.7 to now play classic country music. “We found young people are spending more time online than listening to the radio,” said Lakes Media President Tom Birch. The move for Amp 103.7 to the digital world opened up the radio station in a place where Country music is king. Read more…

Belk invites schools and other nonprofit organizations in the company’s 16-state market area to participate in its semi-annual Belk Charity Sale from 6 to 10 a.m. Nov. 3. The four-hour, in-store shopping event offers a fundraising tool for participating organizations and an opportunity for customers to support local charities while taking advantage of special discounts on purchases during the event. Belk Charity Sale tickets are available now to participating nonprofit organizations for sale in advance of the event. Read more…

nTelos Wireless announced recently that it has activated a new cell site that will enhance coverage in eastern Danville. The site marks the third network enhancement since the company activated new sites in Southwest Danville and Northeast Danville in June and July. The three new cell sites will provide broader and improved coverage throughout the Danville area, especially in areas along U.S. 29 Business (Piney Forest Road) and U.S. 58. Read more…

Growing enrollment at a private liberal arts university during tough economic times is a challenge.  Averett University has met the challenge for the third consecutive year, adding 360 new students this fall. This growth puts total enrollment for the traditional program at nearly 1,000 students – the largest total enrollment the University has had since 2000. Read more…

EcomNets has successfully completed its examination in conformity with Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements. This critical review and examination has led EcomNets to achieve Type II certification for its datacenter, according to a news release.  The audit examines the effectiveness of internal controls supporting EcomNets datacenter services. Read more…

Officials at Danville Regional Medical Center recently announced that its Child Development Center has earned a four-star rating from the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation’s Star Quality Initiative Rating program. DRMC’s Child Development Center is the only facility in Danville – and one of few in the State of Virginia – to earn this four-star rating. Read more…

Danville Community College doubled its scholarships this year to more than $700,000 — a colossal number for the local community college. The number of students receiving awards went from 175 to around 300. This is the largest scholarship amount in the past 12 years that they have had the ceremony. Read more…

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville has increased its staff over the past few weeks, hiring or promoting 15 full and part time employees. The moves come as the result of filling vacant positions, research grants, and budget efficiencies. Read more…

Danville Regional Medical Center has been recognized for continued support of employee education by being named a Distinguished Community Employer by the Danville Campus of National College. Danville Regional Medical Center is the second largest employer in Danville and has hired a number of National College graduates, while also providing externships and clinical opportunities for students to get hands-on experience during their training, according to a National College news release. Currently, 18 National College graduates are employed by DRMC in a variety of positions, from the pharmacy to surgical and administrative areas. “National College students are enhancing their skills to enter in the workforce and fill jobs that are in high demand in their local communities,” stated the release. “Support from area employers like Danville Regional Medical Center is crucial in helping students achieve their career goals.”

Karen T. White, a native of Danville, has been appointed Carter Bank & Trust branch manager of the Gardens Boulevard and Ivy Road offices in Charlottesville. White previously held the positions of branch manager, loan processor, and customer service representative in the bank’s Downtown Danville office. Read more…

David J. Jones of Bracey was recently elected by fellow board members to serve as chairman of the board for Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative following the retirement of Robert W. (Bobby) Conner.  Jones has served on the MEC board over 30 years and is also a member on the board of Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC), the power supplier for MEC and 10 other electric cooperatives. Read more…

American Medical Technologists, a certification and membership organization for allied health professionals, recently recognized National College’s medical assisting program for its commitment to professional advancement. In a certificate delivered to the Danville Campus in August, AMT commended the college for preparing medical assisting students for the Registered Medical Assistant exam. The exam is a professional certification that helps medical assistants validate their education and experience as they enter the workforce. Read more…

Those who have been avoiding the Robertson Bridge during the two-year replacement project can now return to the using the much-widened bridge. City of Danville officials recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the bridge. Mayor Sherman Saunders called the new bridge a “sign of progress in the city,” and an improvement over the former two-lane bridge, which was frequently congested. Read more…

Chatmoss Cablevision and Danville Fraternal Order of Police will present the 7th Annual Law Enforcement Softball Tournament on Saturday October 6th - Starting at 10 am at the Dan Daniel Park, Goodyear Softball Field. Teams playing will be Danville Police Dept., Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office, and Danville Sheriff's Office. Admission is $ 2.00/person plus they ask that you bring a new toy to benefit the Danville Social Services Child Welfare Fund. The toys will be given to Children in foster care at Christmas. Concessions will be available. Proceeds from the game will go to DARE in Pittsylvania County and the Boys and Girls Club in Danville and Danville Fraternal Order of Police.

SleepyGoat Farm presents a Farm to Fork Dinner featuring Lucindy Willis, Chef Emeritus of The Yancey House Restaurant on Friday, October 5 starting at 6:00 p.m.. The cost is $40/person or $45/person with wine. Reservations are required by calling 336-388-5388 or emailing sleepygoatfarm@gmail.com.   SleepyGoat Farm is located at 7215 Allison Road, Pelham, NC. Visit www.sleepygoatfarm.com for more information.

Governor Bob McDonnell recently announced the appointment of Dr. Tiffany McKillip Franks, President of Averett University and re-appointment of Wayne C. Smith, Vice President, Technology and Commercial Development for DanChem Technologies to the A.L. Philpott Manufacturing Extension Partnership Board of Trustees.

Virginia residents who have an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university now have an opportunity to complete a bachelor’s and Master of Business Administration degree online through National College. Read more…

Hargrave Military Academy’s Distinguished Speaker Series will feature the Administrator of NASA, retired Maj. Gen. Charles F. Bolden, Jr. Bolden will be on campus at 11 a.m. on October 19 in the academy’s Cheatham Chapel. Bolden is the current and 12th administrator of the U.S. space agency. He has served in this position since July 17, 2009. Read more…

Averett University has invited Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow Toby Smith, an internationally renowned sports journalist, for an intensive week-long visit Sept. 30-Oct. 5. Smith will conduct classes, seminars, workshops and lectures and will meet with students and faculty members informally throughout the week to share his practical knowledge of journalism and sports writing. Read more…

Mackenzie Osadchuk has been selected as the Danville Office of Economic Development’s marketing and research manager. Osadchuk comes to Danville from Pierre, S.D., and the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR). Read more…

David Divine, physical therapist with Abercrombie Physical Therapy, has recently earned his Level 1 certification with Titleist Performance Institute. Divine has a special interest in working with golfers, both for performance enhancement and injury prevention, as well as physical therapy patients, according to a news release. Read more…

     The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the J.T. Minnie Maude Charitable Trust, the school systems, and other educational partners in our region is finalizing plans for its annual Career Day November 14^th at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.  Designed to present high school juniors in Danville and Pittsylvania County with information and skills which will enable them to succeed in their selected career path, Career Day will see approximately 600 students in attendance.
     During the day, students will hear from a motivational, entrepreneurial speaker.   Following the keynote speech, students will attend breakout sessions led by area business leaders and focusing on 20 “demand occupations” in our region.  Sessions will be held on:

~Entrepreneurship
~Automotive Engineering/Motorsports
~Administration of Justice
~Customer Service
~Administrative Support Services
~Health – Dental
~Marketing and Sales
~Advanced Manufacturing and Automation
~Building Trades
~Presenting Yourself in the Workplace
~Health – Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Administrative
~Skilled Craftsman
~Veterinary Science
~Education
~Human Services
~Engineering
~Scientific Research and Laboratory Technicians
~Information Technology

     Career Day is an outstanding opportunity for our young people to learn first-hand what employers need and expect from their workforce.  By removing these 600 students from their normal learning environments and exposing them to real world settings, the Chamber and their partners hope to impart concrete skills they may use as they leave high school and begin their paths as productive employees in our region.  If you currently work in one of the fields listed above and would like to speak at Career Day, please contact the Chamber of Commerce for more information.
     Career Day is a program of the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee and receives funding from the J.T. Minnie Maude Charitable Trust and other sponsors.

     Created as the class project of Leadership Southside XIV, Junior Leadership Southside IV began its program year in September 2012 with an Opening Orientation.
     Junior Leadership Southside is an eight month program providing leadership orientation and development to local high school juniors and seniors.  The program includes monthly sessions ranging from three to five hours in length and held on school holidays, after school, and on Saturdays.  An orientation and opening reception will be held on September 24^th 2012.  Programs will begin in October and the class will conclude with a graduation ceremony to be held in April 2013.  Monthly sessions will include speakers and panelists providing a holistic approach to leadership orientation and development.  Sessions will be held at local business venues and institutions of higher learning.  The fourth Junior Leadership Southside class will consist of 19 rising Juniors and Seniors in the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County. 
     Congratulations to the members of Junior Leadership Southside IV:

Rosie Anderson – Galileo High School

Key Blackwell – George Washington High School

Erica Dixon – Galileo High School

Nichelle Foisy – Galileo High School

Drew Gunnell – Dan River High School

Erin Gusler – Dan River High School

Todd Hobza – George Washington High School

Elizabeth Holland – George Washington High School

Kim Johnson - George Washington High School

Lexus Khan – Tunstall High School

Erin Marshall – Tunstall High School

Addie Leigh Milam – George Washington High School

Natalie Petrovich – Westover Christian Academy

Nick Pradhan - Galileo High School

Daniel Reddy – Galileo High School

Brianna Spitler – George Washington High School

Lucero Vasquez – George Washington High School

KJ Womack – George Washington High School

Jess Yarbrough - Galileo High School

Junior Leadership Southside is sponsored by the J.T. Minnie Maude Charitable Trust, URW Community Federal Credit Union, and Excelen Performance.  Sponsorship and Program Information is available on the Chamber’s website (www.dpchamber.org) or by contacting the Chamber at 434.836.6990 or chamber@dpchamber.org

     Celebrating 19 years of providing leadership development in the Dan River Region, Leadership Southside is pleased to announce the selection of its 2012-2013 class.
     Leadership Southside is an interactive, informative program which offers current and future leaders skill building, leadership development, and an introduction to Southside Virginia.
     The program is designed to foster a commitment to community service and to develop leadership skills applicable to community service and the workplace.
     Leadership Southside is an eight-month program running from October through May.  The first program meeting will be a retreat at Smith Mountain Lake followed by monthly sessions that address leadership and community issues.  The class will graduate following the May program meeting. 
     The following candidates will be participating in the 2012-2013 program of Leadership Southside:

• Nate Cook, United Way of Danville and Pittsylvania County
• Rachel Covington, Danville Regional Foundation
• Kedong Da, Dan River Plant Propagation Center at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
• Traci Daniel, Danville Community College
• Justin Davis, URW Community Federal Credit Union
• Lisa Marie DiLuigi, Danville Regional Medical Center
• Thomas Doss, The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
• Marsha Foster, Averett University
• Blair Lumpkins, The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region
• Scott Oaks, Danville Regional Medical Center
• Trina Pratt, Boys and Girls Clubs of Danville
• Katie Rohrig, Mount Hermon Animal Clinic
• Beverly Shelton, URW Community Federal Credit Union

      Leadership Southside began the year with an orientation on September 11^th at the Blairs Office of the Chamber of Commerce.  For more information about the Leadership Southside program, please contact Lynnette Lawson with the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce at 434. 836.6990 or llawson@dpchamber.org.

The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce continues to support education as a cornerstone to the economic success and vitality of the Dan River region with its annual education grant program for Pre-K through 12th grade educators.

The Chamber began the education grant program in 1990 when Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s plant manager Ed Steffey saw classroom needs were not being met through traditional funding sources. Steffey partnered with the Chamber and started a golf tournament from which proceeds were earmarked for the teacher grant initiative.  The 22^nd annual Ed Steffey Education Open Golf Tournament will be hosted on September 28^th at the Goodyear Golf Course. If you are interested in participating in or sponsoring this tournament, please contact the Chamber at (434) 836-6990. Proceeds from the Goodyear Education 5K race also go toward the program which encourages innovative and creative programs that promote collaboration, communication skills, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.  “By hosting two fundraising events, Goodyear continues to help support the financial needs within our educational system that are not being met through traditional funding methods,” says Goodyear-Danville Plant Manager Tim Noe.

For the past two years, the Danville Regional Foundation (DRF) has provided substantial additional funds making it possible to distribute a higher quantity of grants and also fund larger projects.  “We want to encourage teachers to think out of the box and bring creative education programs into their classrooms,” said Karl Stauber, DRF President and CEO. “We believe that these investments in education will promote creativity, reward more teachers, and help strengthen the Dan River Region’s economic position.”  The additional funding has also allowed the program to be expanded to include educators in Caswell County, North Carolina.

Teachers representing an interdisciplinary team, grade level team, or division wide team submitted grant applications.  There were no minimum nor maximum monetary limits on the education grant awards.  Teachers and administrators were encouraged to submit their best, most creative ideas to the Chamber’s Grant Selection Committee for review.

The Chamber’s Education Grant Selection Committee has awarded over $100,000 to this year’s round of applicants.

The Chamber, Goodyear, and Danville Regional Foundation congratulate the following recipients of the grant program:

“An Ocean in your Classroom”
Melissa Stallings, Rachel Terry, Laura Snead
Southside Elementary Middle School

“iPad – An Incredible Path to Academic Discovery”
Melissa Stallings, Rachel Terry, Deborah Buckner, Elizabeth Turpin, Megan Lakey
Southside Elementary School

“Strengthening Reading for the Future”
Nancy Ezell, Laura Snead
Southside Elementary School

“The Construction of an All Electric Vehicle”
Andrew Nordon, Herb Hardy, Mark Chandler, Eric Mustain
Pittsylvania Career and Technical Center

“CHS FIRST Robotics Team #1095”
Stephanie O’Brien, Adam Propst, Joe Olp, Tom Wade
Chatham High School

“Technology in the Art Classroom”
Wanda Evans, Rosanne Lloyd
Tunstall High School

“HoverCam T3 Document Camera”
Paula Faison, Beth Putnam, Sonja Scott
Gretna Elementary School

“Alternative Energy Sources”
Jason Gibson, Lisa Fain
Galileo High School

“FIRST Robotics”
Daniel Waters
George Washington High School and Galileo High School

“Practical Applications in Engineering”
Gregg Mason, George Peterson, Don Harmon, God’s Pit Crew
George Washington High School

“Team Talon’s FIRST Robotics Summer Camp”
Daniel Waters, John Henderson, Gregg Mason, Arnold Woody
George Washington High School and Westwood Middle School

“Utilizing Technology in the Classroom”
Stephanie Haynsworth, Kelly Jordan
Glenwood Elementary School

“Community Awareness”
Tia Hairston
Westwood Middle School

“Walk Like an Egyptian”
Cynthia Daniel, Christle Fallen, Allison Mann
Glenwood Elementary School

“Keeping Green”
Ramona Booker, Rhonda Harris, Danville Master Gardeners
Glenwood Elementary School

“Reluctant Third Grade Readers Using iPads in the Classroom”
Joylett Perry, Amanda McKinney, Caryn Finkbeiner
Woodberry Hills Elementary School

“Kindle Fires for Battle of the Books Participants”
Ann Marie Holt, Virginia Hodges
North Elementary School

The Board of Directors and the Education Committee of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce would like to
thank The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., the Danville Regional Foundation, and everyone involved with the education grant process for making the 2012 -2013 grant projects possible.

Congratulations to Office Plus Business Centre on being named as one of the 11 finalists who will compete for five winning spots in the Third Annual Tayloe Murphy Resilience Awards competition held by the University Of Virginia Darden School Of Business. The awards dinner will take place on Wednesday, September 5, 2012.  Read more…

Averett University set another record enrollment this fall. In the past four years they have added 200 new students to bring total enrollment to approximately 950. With more students, the university is also planning on bringing in some larger facilities. Averett is planning to build a new and larger sports complex at its North Campus to the tune of $6.3 million with construction slated to begin next year. The new sports complex will have a turf field and an eight lane track. There will be a three story press box and have about 2,000 seats.  Read more…

Danville Regional Medical Center is making a $1 million investment to install a new 16-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner. These plans have been approved by the state and will provide patients with faster a more efficient imaging and scanning. “This upgrade is another demonstration of our commitment to providing the safest, most advanced quality care to our community,” said DRMC CEO Eric Deaton. Read more…

Garry C. Martin has joined First State Bank of Danville as Vice President of Retail Banking Officer. Martin has more than 25 years of banking experience and previously was employed with URW Credit Union and American National Bank. Read more…

West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board (WPWIB) learned at its recent board meeting that the state awarded the board $171,000 in state rapid response funds to help its four Virginia Workforce Centers subsidize opportunities for the unemployed to secure a job by either going back to school to upgrade or learn new skills or participate in paid adult internships. “The purpose of the adult internships is to incentivize employers to take a chance on individuals that may not have the experience or skills on paper to do the job. We have found if these individuals can just get their foot in the door with employers looking to hire, in most cases, they will do an outstanding job and are employed after the internship has been completed,” said WPWIB Chairman Jim Daniel. Nearly 95 percent of all internship participants are employed after completing an internship, he said.

Many years ago, Mark Hopkins hit his first golf ball at the former Glen Oaks Country Club. This year Hopkins, who went on to be a PGA Professional, and his wife, Vera, bought the facility. With a new name, Southern Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole course open to the public. The bent grass greens are located on Stokesland Avenue behind the former Dan River plant.  Read more…

Join Centra Outpatient Rehabilitation in Defeating Dizziness during Balance Awareness Week! -September 16-22, 2012. Did you know that an estimated 35.4% of US adults aged 40 years and older (109 million Americans) experience vestibular dysfunction at some point in their lives? In the US, medical care for patients with chronic balance disorders exceeds $1 billion per year. During this week, Centra Outpatient Rehabilitation will be offering free balance screens to the community.  Appointments are required.  Please call for an appointment with Danville Ortho & Rehab Specialists at 434.797.1384.       

nTelos Wireless announced that it has activated a new cell site that will enhance coverage in northeast Danville. nTelos Wireless activated the new cell site July 18. Areas along Piney Forest Road the Danville Expressway in northeast Danville, as well as areas along North Main Street, will experience improved coverage.  Read more…

More than 2,700 homes or businesses in rural Virginia that don’t have access to high-speed Internet will be able to get service under a federal subsidy program. Telecommunications provider CenturyLink Inc. said it is planning to use $2.1 million from the Federal Communications Commission’s “Connect America Fund” to deploy broadband in rural areas that would reach more than 7,000 people.  Read more…

Danville Regional Medical Center has a new cardiovascular administrative director. Bob Anthony will provide administrative oversight and leadership for the hospital’s cardiovascular program, which is affiliated with Duke University Medical Center.  Read more…

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced plans to hire 1,000 veterans nationwide over the next three years through its partnership with the United States Chamber of Commerce “Hiring Our Heroes” program. Read more…

A national standards board has recognized the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region for meeting the highest philanthropic standards. The foundation met standards for operational quality, integrity and accountability for the second time.  Read more…

Dr. Maria Ibarra, a board-certified family physician, joined Centra Piedmont PrimeCare in June. She has comprehensive education, experience and expertise in family medicine, urgent care and emergency medicine. Piedmont PrimeCare is a walk-in clinic providing patients of all ages with care due to non-life threatening illnesses or accidents, the release stated.  Read more…

After being in the works for several years, the Danville Science Center and the City of Danville are advertising for bids on the construction of a new Digital Dome Theater for the community. The 44-foot Digital Dome Theater will combine high-definition video, color star projection and digital surround sound, and entertain up to 100 guests at a time. Read more…

Centra plans to apply for a certificate of need from the Virginia Department of Health in October so it can open an expanded facility in Gretna at a new location. “We’re very excited about the project,” said Susan Brandt, Centra’s manager of media relations. If the certificate of need is approved, Centra’s project would establish an expanded facility with an emergency department including helipad and on-site ambulance, a CT scanner and expanded X-ray services.  Read more…

We proudly announce the most recent members to the Chamber of Commerce. Please welcome them with your business and support:

4-Lads LLC dba McDonald’s of Gretna
Larry McCarty, President
104 Vaden Street
Gretna, VA 24557
160 Cromwell Drive
Rocky Mount, VA 24151
540-493-9948
Restaurants and Caterers

Amthor International, Inc.
Mabel Short, Secretary
237 Industrial Drive
Gretna, VA 24557
434-656-6233
Manufacturers and Processors

The Gentry Farm
Stephanie Amaya
220 Cane Creek Court
Ringgold, VA 24586
PO Box 10309
Danville, VA 24543
(434) 770-5601
Restaurants, Caterers, Conference Centers

Hauser Real Estate        
Kelli Hauser, Broker/Owner
1225 West Main Street
Danville, VA 24541
434-548-8833
Real Estate

Integrated Technology Group
Scott Francis
20564 Timberlake Road, Suite A
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 455-4949
IT Products & Services, IP Telephone, Security & Access

MICHE’                                                
Melissa Breaux, Independent Representative
272 Mountain View Avenue
Danville, VA 24541
434-7973-110
Distributors

Planter World - BSN Fabricating              
Barbara Nutter
2095 Ridgeway Road
Vernon Hill, VA 24597
(434) 349-5404
Home Decorative Accessories

ServPro of Lynchburg
Susan Myers, Marketing Rep.
PO Box 15124
Lynchburg, VA 24502
434-525-9559
Services

Southern Hills Golf Course and Swim Club           
Vera Hopkins
188 Stokesland Avenue
Danville, VA 24541
PO Box 10238
Danville, VA 24543
434-793-2582
Attractions, Museums & Recreation

Sterling Optical
Betsy Thurman
3321 Riverside Drive
Danville, VA 24541
(434) 791-4381
Optical, Optometrists, Opticians & Optical Labs

Virginia Museum of Natural History
Cindy Gray
21 Starling Avenue
Martinsville, VA 24112
276-634-4141
Attractions, Museums & Recreation

VSP Dental Inc.
Siddharth Patel
767 Piney Forest Road
Danville, VA 24540
(434) 797-4181
Dentists & Orthodontists

Thank you to the following businesses and organizations that renewed their membership investment between July 24, 2012 – August 23, 2012:

• Alzheimer's Association Central and Western Virginia Chapter
• Arlene's Closet LLC
• Ashbrook Audiology & Hearing Aid Centers, Inc.
• AutoCycle LLC
• Badcock & More Home Furniture
• Bojangles – Mountain Food Service
• Bra Lady Boutique, The
• Carlisle School
• Danview Restaurant
• Davenport & Company LLC
• Ecomnets
• J. Clint Fleming, Inc.
• Forever Young Family Salon Inc.
• R. Frank Fox, Jr. Business Management Consultant
• Get Fit Dan River Region
• Harman Eye Center of Danville
• JTI Leaf Services, LLC
• Liberty Tax Service
• Liberty University Athletics
• Mount Hermon Animal Clinic
• NAP Coleman Marketplace LLC
• Olde Dominion Agricultural Foundation
• Piedmont Fire & Security Co.
• Jack Ryland
• Sheets Roofing, Inc.
• Smart Beginnings Danville Pittsylvania
• United States Green Energy Corporation
• W. A. Wells & Associates

The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce is proud to present a workshop designed to help your business use social media to increase your bottom line.  In Social Media Marketing Made Simple Gina Watkins of Constant Contact will teach you best practices for your social media presence and demonstrate how to launch and manage an effective Social Campaign. A popular speaker and educator, Gina delivers real-world tools and strategies that drive stellar results immediately! And although the topics and strategies may be cutting edge, it doesn’t take an interactive guru to “get it.” Gina simplifies the information and provides essential basics, secrets, and shortcuts that make it easy for seminar attendees to get on their way fast.

Date:  October 3^rd, 2012
Place:  Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
Time:  Registration will begin at 8:30am.  Workshop will run from 9:00am to 1:00pm. 
Cost:  Register before September 24^th at 5pm to take advantage of our Early Bird Registration Rate.  Before September 17^th - $35.  After September 24^th - $45.  Your registration fee includes a hot buffet lunch.

Social Media Marketing Made Simple - & Effective
Learn the Best Practices for your social media presence - including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn & more – that you can use to build the relationships that mean success for your business or organization! Come learn the essential elements of transforming new prospects into repeat, passionate customers, members, volunteers and referral generators – and who in turn help you grow your business using the power of social media marketing.

~Extend your online marketing reach;
~Reach with endorsement; that is, get your passionate customers/members to tell your story and spread the word; and
~Leverage content that helps your friends, fans & followers to share their experience.

"Social Media Marketing Made Simple" is a two-hour workshop that will cover some of the strategies and best practices to get the most out of your social media activities –  including time management and measuring the return of your activities. We will:

~talk about what social media marketing really is,
~see how to incorporate it into your business operations without losing productivity, and
~look at real-life examples of how other businesses & organizations (from one-person shops to larger organizations) are using these low-cost tools to gain visibility, develop relationships and drive engagement, sales and bottom-line results.

We will discuss the various social media outlets that are available, how they interact together, ways to leverage their inherent strengths and tools to evaluate them for best use for your business or organization.

Getting Started with Social Campaigns (Live Demo)

Word-of-mouth has always been the best way to attract new people to your business or organization. Constant Contact’s Social Campaigns product makes it easy for you to supercharge your social word of mouth to get you what you want from your social media marketing: more fans and more new business.

With Social Campaigns it all starts when someone "Likes" your Facebook Page to receive a special offer. Those people are encouraged to share the offer with their friends extending the reach of your business. This leads to more people "liking" your Page and taking up the offer, which means more business for you!

The best social campaigns are designed to help you achieve a specific business goal. When you create your social campaign with this goal in mind - whether it’s getting more donations, driving more visits to your store, or gathering sales leads - you’ll know how many people are taking you up on the offer and be able to see the direct impact on your organization. 

In Getting Started with Social Campaigns, you are invited to sit back and watch the Constant Contact Social Campaigns product in action!  You will see how simple it can be to build a social campaign. We will also look at:

~Why use social campaigns?
~Promoting your social campaign
~How do I measure success?

Along the way, we’ll discuss tricks-of-the-trade and other relevant best practices. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions, provide feedback, share your experiences, and listen to how others are using Constant Contact Social Campaigns to grow their business and establish lasting relationships with customers and members.

The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce will host “Education Reports” for Danville and Pittsylvania County at two separate breakfast meetings in September.

James E. McDaniel, Division Superintendent of Pittsylvania County Schools, will provide an overview of the county school system on Tuesday, September 18.  The breakfast meeting will be held at The Community Center at Chatham (115 South Main Street, Chatham) beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Dr. Sue B. Davis, Superintendent of Danville Public Schools, will provide an overview of the city school system on Wednesday, September 26, at 7:30 a.m. at The Institute for Advanced Learning & Research (150 Slayton Avenue, Danville).

Each of the breakfast meetings, which are open to the public, costs $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members.  The cost includes a buffet breakfast with healthy food choices.

Reservations are required and should be made by calling the Chamber at (434) 836-6990, by emailing the Chamber at chamber@dpchamber.org, or by registering online at www.dpchamber.org.

The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce will host the “State of the City Address” on Wednesday, August 22, with Sherman M. Saunders, Mayor of the City of Danville, who will provide an overview of accomplishments and goals for the city.

The breakfast meeting will be held at The Institute for Advanced Learning & Research (150 Slayton Avenue, Danville) beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The breakfast meeting, which is open to the public, costs $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members.  The cost includes a buffet breakfast with healthy food choices.

Reservations are required and should be made by Friday, August 17, by calling the Chamber at (434) 836-6990, by emailing the Chamber at chamber@dpchamber.org, or by registering online at www.dpchamber.org.

Thank you to the following businesses and organizations that renewed their membership investment between June 26, 2012 – July 23, 2012:

•  Abercrombie Physical Therapy, P.C.
• Adams Construction Company - Southside Division
• Advanced Building Technologies Incorporated
• Alan Dalton Photography
• Allied Supply Corporation of Danville
• The Arc of Southside
• B & W Floral Designs Inc.
• Belk
• Blackwell Automotive, Inc.
• Centech Service Corporation
• Comfort Inn & Suites
• Community Improvement Council, Inc.
• Computer Bookkeeping & Tax Service Inc.
• Computer Clinic Inc.
• City of Danville
• Danville Paint & Supply Co.
• Emeritus of Danville
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car
• Garrett's Tax Service
• Giles-Flowerland and Caterers
• Ginger Bread House & Garden Center
• God's Storehouse, Inc.
• Goodwill Industries of South Central Virginia, Inc.
• Hampton Inn
• Highlander Restaurant, Lodge & Pub
• Law Office of Greg T. Haymore, P.C.
• Donna F. Helton, DDS, PC
• Insurance Junction
• Lone Star Steakhouse and Saloon
• Lowe's
• Meadows Service Center, Inc.
• Mt. Hermon Courtyard Conference Center
• N'Tended For Kids, Inc. - Dance Too & Merle Norman Cosmetics
• Old Dutch Supermarkets
• Piedmont Credit Union
• Pittsylvania County
• Pittsylvania County Agricultural Development Board
• Pittsylvania County Public Library System
• Reynolds-Clark Development, Inc.
• Riverside Dry Cleaning, Inc.
• Riverside Roof Truss, LLC
• Romar Elevators
• Saxon, Angle & Associates Optometrists
• Semones Automotive
• Sherwood House Furniture
• Showcase Magazine
• Southern Office Machines Co., Inc.
• Southern States Co-Operative-Danville
• J. W. Squire Company, Inc.
• State Farm Insurance
• Stratford Courtyard Conference Center
• Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC
• Drs. Wentz & Manry
• Westover Christian Academy
• Yeatts, Overbey and Ramsey, PLC

The Office of Economic Development and the City of Danville announce that the former Research Building of Dan River Inc. will be redeveloped by RDD, LLC, a group of private investors. This building sits on the south bank of the Dan River and is bordered by Main and Bridge Streets. After renovation, the building will house the Danville Orthopedic Clinic and its associated practices in addition to both training facilities and medical practices to be operated by Danville Regional Medical Center. Additionally, the building will house commercial entities on the street level floor and a restaurant facility in an adjoining building adjacent to the river. Read more…

The Danville Regional Foundation announced it will invest $10 million over the next five years to attract entrepreneurs to the region. The grant was awarded to the Southside Business Technology Center, Karl Stauber, President and CEO of DRF, said. Read more…

The medical director of the Danville Free Clinic was recently honored as the “Physician Volunteer of the Year” by the Virginia Health Care Foundation. Dr. Edwin Harvie Jr. received the honor on June 28 when Gov. Bob McDonnell joined key members of the General Assembly in presenting this year’s Heroes in Health Care Awards. Read more…

URW Community FCU is excited to move forward with their new 8,800 square foot main office at 314 Lowes Drive in Danville.  URW has contracted with DEI Incorporated to design and build their facility.  Currently in the design phase, ground breaking will be held August 16 at 11:00 a.m. URW is embracing a retail environment that features dialog banking to further develop strong financial partnerships and provide first-class service to their members.  Tellers will be equipped to help them with a variety of their needs, from loans to simple transactions. The new branch interior will offer living room style seating in the waiting area as well as a café.  Celebrating the local area, a community wall will feature URW people and places and a large display area will allow local businesses to display their own products and services.  A whimsical children’s area plays on the history of URW with a tire swing, relating back to their Goodyear plant heritage, and other embellishments.  URW is also providing a community room available to employees, members, and local organizations.  The room, equipped with a Smart Board and adjacent kitchen, can be used for training, staff meetings, community organizations, or special events.

Officials at Danville Regional Medical Center (DRMC) and LifePoint Hospitals® announced that it plans to acquire the second floor of the former Dan River Research Building, which will serve the Dan River Region as an Accountable Care or ACO Hub, providing the community convenient access to a wide variety of health services. This acquisition represents a $4.2 million dollar investment by DRMC and LifePoint Hospitals®. Read more…

Averett University is excited to announce that it has received approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to offer a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree at its new Riverview Campus. The approval from SACS allows the University to begin offering a bachelor of science in nursing degree to registered nurses who already hold an associate degree or diploma from an approved registered nursing program. The first class will launch on Aug. 22. For those interested in learning more or if seeking admission, contact Katherine Pappas, regional director of enrollment, at katherine.pappas@gps.averett.edu or 800-448-5233.

Cathy Liles, CPA, was named the new Office Managing Partner for the Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP Danville office.  With more than 15 years experience in public accounting, Liles brings a wealth of knowledge in the audit and consulting services areas and will lead the Danville office in her responsibilities of engagement management, client service, practice development, and staff supervision.

Corrie Teague has been selected as the new project manager for the Danville Office of Economic Development. As a project manager, she will be responsible for assisting in the development of new industrial park property, such as the Mega Park, by working with engineering firms and other key stakeholders. The project manager will be heavily involved in the redevelopment of River District properties, and will work with River District merchants and recruit small businesses. Teague has been a research and marketing manager for the Office of Economic Development since October 2009. She also interned for the office.

Megabytes has introduced a new and healthy menu featuring “Made-to-Order Mondays.” The eatery is located at the Institute for Advanced learning and Research. The menu’s newest feature “Made-to-Order Mondays” brings in a new experience for customers. Chefs will actually prepare the entrée right in front of the service line where customers can watch their meal being cooked to perfection. Read more…

Goodwill Industries of Danville Area, Inc. has changed it name to Goodwill Industries of South Central Virginia, Inc., effective July 1, 2012. The new name more accurately reflects the territory served by the local Goodwill with its retail stores, donation sites, and services to those with barriers to employment.

The Danville Regional Foundation is accepting nominations for its 4^th Annual B.R. Ashby, M.D. Award for Outstanding Community Service. The $50,000 unrestricted general operating grant is given annually to a local (Danville, Pittsylvania County or Caswell County, N.C.) nonprofit for “outstanding community service,” according to a news release. Read more…

Dan M. Pleasant, PE, chief operating officer of Dewberry, has been named chairman of the Highway and Transit Subcommittee of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. The subcommittee is one of five within the Transportation Committee that was established in the fall of 2011 to focus on multimodal transportation policies and the development of a transportation network that will help enhance Virginia’s competitiveness as a place for business. In addition to Highway and Transit, the other subcommittees are Aviation, Ports, Rail, and Spaceport.

Bojangles’ raised $24,600 during its annual Shamrocks Against Dystrophy in-store fundraiser. Bojangles’ is celebrating a 14-year partnership with MDA this year and is proud to have raised nearly $2.3 million chain-wide in that timeframe to help win the fight against neuromuscular disease. The Bojangles’, located on Sandy Court in Danville, raised more than $5,000 alone, the most funds being donated by a single store in the company’s footprint. Read more…

Eric Deaton, CEO of Danville Regional Medical Center, has been reappointed to the State Board of Health. Deaton was first appointed to the board in January 2011. He will represent the hospital industry for health-related issues that arise to the board. Also, officials at Danville Regional Medical Center recently joined a community effort to improve care transitions among local patients and families. The Care Transitions Project, led by the Virginia Health Quality Center, focuses on reducing avoidable readmissions by 20 percent over three years. Read more…

Listeners of the “Sunday Swing Shift” radio program on WBTM may not have realized it, but Sunday, July 15, was Phil Watlington’s 50th anniversary with the station — and the date did not pass without notice. Co-workers managed to surprise Watlington with a party at Danville Golf Club. Read more…

Gretna residents and businesses now have faster broadband Internet speeds available from FairPoint Communications. These improved speeds are a result of FairPoint’s upgrades to its network and will provide up to 15 Mbps, depending on location, according to a company news release. FairPoint serves more than 4,200 customers in the Gretna area. Read more…

The Free Clinic of Danville has expanded its building to house mental health counseling. The clinic has partnered with Piedmont Access to Health Services and Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services Board to offering counseling services through the grant initiative “A New Lease on Life.” Read more…

Averett University’s recruitment efforts over the last four years have been recognized by Noel-Levitz with a 2012 Marketing-Recruitment Excellence Award. The award recognizes state-of-the-art programs, services and strategies that have made an impact on campus student enrollment, according to a news release from the university. Averett is one of four universities from across the United States that has been recognized. Read more…

The Danville Regional Foundation is now on TV. The Foundation has a show airing twice a day Monday-Friday at 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Comcast channel 10. Matt Charles, communications and public relations director of DRF and host of the show, said the working title is DRF Digest, but they have reached out to members of the community to submit suggestions as to what the show should be called. The show will soon be available on the DRF YouTube page and social media outlets of the City of Danville, as well as their website. DRF will also archive episodes on our website and YouTube channel. Read more…

The Southside Business Technology Center has received an $85,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant from the United States Department of Agriculture to provide high-quality tangible management consulting services to rural, Southside Virginia businesses. “This is great news for the SBTC and our clients,” commented Eva Doss, President & CEO of the SBTC. “The grant will allow the SBTC to maintain and further expand business consulting services that advance the economic growth of the Southside region.” Read more…

Glen Gillispie, chief operating officer for Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative, has been recognized as a finalist in the Virginia CFO Awards sponsored by “Virginia Business” magazine. The Virginia CFO Awards recognize achievements by the top chief financial officers in nonprofit organizations, private companies, and publicly traded companies throughout the state. Read more…

Lawrence Distributing Co. recently earned a perfect sales award. Lawrence Distributing Co. Wine Division Manager John Roach attended the Gallo Awards Meeting at the PGA National Resort & Spa in West Palm Beach, Fla., where he accepted on behalf of Lawrence Distributing the Perfect Sales Achievement Award. Read more…

American National Bankshares Inc. joined the broad-market Russell 3000 Index as Russell Investments reconstituted its comprehensive set of U.S. and global equity indexes on June 25. Annual reconstitution of Russell’s U.S. indexes captures the 4,000 largest U.S. stocks as of the end of May, ranking them by total market capitalization. Membership on the Russell 3000, which remains in place for one year, means automatic inclusion in the large-cap Russell 1000 Index or small-cap Russell 2000 Index as well as the appropriate growth and value style indexes. Read more…

Paul Miller, DDS, is pleased to announce the opening of Shannon Nicole Photography on the second floor above his Main Street, Chatham dental practice.  Located at 6B South Main Street, Chatham, appointments can be made by calling 434-420-3904.  For more information, visit www.shanicphotography.smugmug.com.

Congressman Robert Hurt of Virginia’s 5th District recently met with Farm Credit directors and local farmers as they announced the distribution of a $2,630,400 patronage refund to customers in his district. Farm Credit, an agricultural lending cooperative, distributed a total of $13.6 million in the spring to farmers and rural residents who use the company’s services across Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Farm Credit of the Virginias is part of the nationwide Farm Credit system of member-owned lending cooperatives serving rural America. Their cooperative structure enables them to return a portion of their income to customers in the form of a patronage refund. Read more…

The City of Danville’s plan to redevelop the River District has earned it an award for best practices from the Southern Economic Development Council, a regional economic development group that represents 17 southern states. The city won the award in competition with other communities with populations between 40,001 and 100,000. Read more…

Robert W. (Bobby) Conner has retired from the board of directors of Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative where he represented MEC members in Halifax County for 30 years and has held the position of board chairman for the past seven years. Read more…

Members of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce recently donated almost six tons of food to God's Storehouse as part of the first annual Governor’s Bowl Chamber of Commerce Challenge food and fund drive.  The “Governor’s Bowl” campaign ran from Memorial Day to Independence Day, helping to keep Virginia’s food banks stocked during the summer months, which are typically slower for food donations.

All total, God's Storehouse receievd $4,454.84 in monetary donations which equaled 10,124 pounds of food.  Plus, they received an additional 1,795 pounds of food.

Businesses and organizations that participated were American National Bank & Trust Co., Ben David Jewelers, Danville Dental Associates, Danville Regional Medical Center, Danville Republican Committee, Department of Motor Vehicles, Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP, Infinity Global Packaging, and URW Community Federal Credit Union.  The Chamber also donated a portion of all ticket sales from the Taste of Southside in June.

Summer tends to be one of the greatest times of need for local food banks.  While the Governor's Cup Challenge has officially ended, business and individuals are encouraged to continue their support of our local food banks - God’s Storehouse and Northern Pittsylvania County Food Center.

     The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce will host the “State of the County Address” on Wednesday, July 25, with speakers from Pittsylvania County and the Towns of Chatham, Gretna, and Hurt.

     Tim Barber, Chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors, will provide an overview of accomplishments and goals for the county, while the Mayors of the three towns will offer the towns’ perspectives.

     The breakfast meeting will be held at The Community Center at Chatham (115 South Main Street, Chatham) beginning at 7:30 a.m.

     The breakfast meeting, which is open to the public, costs $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members.  The cost includes a buffet breakfast with healthy food choices.

      Reservations are required and should be made by Friday, July 20, by calling the Chamber at (434) 836-6990, by emailing the Chamber at chamber@dpchamber.org, or by registering online at www.dpchamber.org.

     The Chamber will be hosting the “State of the City Address” with Danville Mayor Sherman Saunders on August 22^nd at 7:30 a.m. at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research.

In anticipation of legislation in the 2013 session of the Virginia General Assembly around uranium mining and milling in the Commonwealth, the Board of Directors of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce strongly encourages business and community leaders to learn about and become engaged in the issue.

The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors will hold a citizens’ forum to listen to suggestions on uranium mining and milling Monday, July 9. The meeting, which is open to the public, will begin at 7 p.m. in the General District Courtroom in Chatham.  Due to time constraints, only citizens who live in the county will be allowed to speak at the July 9 forum. Each speaker will be required to sign in and will be limited to four minutes.

For more information about the forum, contact Staunton River District Supervisor Marshall Ecker at 434-335-5967 or marshall.ecker@pittgov.org or Banister District Supervisor Jessie Barksdale at 434-432-2124 or jessie.barksdale@pittgov.org.

Chamber members who would like to learn more about the issue of uranium mining and milling are also encouraged to visit the following websites for additional information and reports:

• For information on Virginia Uranium and their plans, visit VUI’s website at www.virginiauranium.com.
• For a copy of the Uranium Study compiled by the National Academy of Sciences, visit the National Academies Press website at http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13266.
• • For a copy of the Chmura Economics & Analytics study, visit the Chmura website at http://www.chmuraecon.com/pdfs/Uranium.pdf.
• • For a copy of the RTI Uranium Study commissioned by the Danville Regional Foundation, visit the DRF website at www.drfonline.org.
• • For a comparison of the different studies which was compiled by Danville Regional Foundation, visit the DRF website at www.drfonline.org.

There have also been studies conducted by Virginia Beach, the Moran Report, and Fairfax. The links to these studies can be found on the comparison link on the Danville Regional Foundation’s website. There has also been a peer review compiled of the Virginia Beach study (2011) by Kleinfelder West.  The link to this review can be found on Virginia Uranium’s website.

We proudly announce the most recent members to the Chamber of Commerce. Please welcome them with your business and support:

 Alliance for Progress in Southern Virginia  
Jeff Haley, Secretary/Treasurer
628 Main Street
Danville, VA 24541
434-773-2259
Organizations 

Love4Paws
Cheryl Bryant
203 Birchwood Road
Danville, VA 24540
434-250-2175
Services 

Sodexo Campus Services
Donald Deacon – Controller
Liberty University
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
434-582-2276
Restaurants and Caterers

Thank you to the following businesses and organizations that renewed their membership investment between May 22, 2012 – June 25, 2012:

• Abundant Life World Outreach Church
• Bankers Insurance, LLC
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Danville Area
• Blankenship & Davis Opticians
• Carini's Italian Grill & Pizzeria
• Carter Craig Attorneys at Law
• Chatham Family Pharmacy
• Chatmoss Cablevision, Inc.
• David D. Childress, DDS
• Dr. Nancy Coppic Clark
• Collie Equipment Company
• Colonial Ridge Apartments
• Courtyard Conference Centers & Highlander Restaurant, Lodge & Pub
• Daly Seven, Inc.
• Dan River Region Association of Realtors
• Danville Dental Associates
• Danville House
• Danville Insulating & Window Company, Inc.
• Danville Pittsylvania Community Services
• Danville Ready Mix
• Danville Women's Care, P.C.
• EVE, INC.
• Finch & Finch, Inc. Funeral and Cremation Service
• Foster & Dorr, PC
• Four Seasons Pest Control, Inc.
• Free Clinic of Danville
• Golden Skillet
• Hajoca Corporation
• The Homeplace Vineyard, Inc.
• Horizontech, Inc.
• Hughes Marine Service
• Just Kids Child Development Center
• Main Street Coffee Emporium
• Matthews Sanitation Services, LLC
• Mid-Atlantic Broadband Cooperative
• Motley Florist
• Negril, Inc.
• New Beginnings Insurance Services, Inc.
• Newcomb Carpet, Inc.
• nTelos
• O'Gara Safety & Security Institute
• Piedmont Printing & Graphics Inc.
• Piedmont Regional Feeding & Oral-Motor Clinic, LLC
• Piney Forest Healthcare Center
• Pittsylvania County Public Library System
• David Pugh, P.L.L.C.
• Prudential Waterfront Properties
• Riverside Insurance Agency
• Russell L. Scruggs
• SleepyGoat Cheese
• Social Security Administration
• Southern States - Chatham
• Southside Electric Coop.
• TekaByte, Inc.
• Thompson Insurance Services
• TPC Acquisition, LLC DBA My Twinn
• Trane
• Virginia Technical Institute
• J. D. Yeatts & Son, Inc.

• Abingdon Place of Danville is having an Open House on Friday, June 29 from 4 to 6 pm. Abingdon was voted the number one Assisted Living by the readers of the Danville Register and Bee. Contact Rick Neal at Office 434-799-1930 or cell 434-709-7201.
  
  
• Mid-Atlantic Broadband Corp. recently donated $2,500 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Danville Area. The funds will be used to further the programs to benefit the young people of Southern Virginia. Read more…
  
  
• Blackwell Automotive would like to welcome Jessica Crane Reamey to their professional sales staff. Reamey, formerly of Crane Tire Company, has been involved in the car industry for ten years. She invites all of her friends, family, and customers to come visit her at Blackwell Automotive (4874 Riverside Drive, Danville).
  
  
• Southern States Cooperative Inc. has been named the winner of the 2012 Information Technology Innovation Award for integrating the use of mobile handheld technology with its existing Benchmate Systems’ Computerized Maintenance Management System. Read more…
  
  
• WSET-TV, the ABC affiliate serving the Heart of Virginia, is now delivering WeatherNation, in conjunction with the ABC 13 Weather Experts, to provide around-the-clock coverage of national and local forecasts plus breaking weather news. ABC 13 WeatherNation can be seen on WSET-TV’s digital channel 13.3.
  
  
• Located on 160 peaceful acres in Pelham, N.C. — just six miles south of Danville — is a small farm with a lot of goats and a lot of cheese. In fact, Sleepy Goat Farm produces between 1,000 and 3,000 pounds of the dairy product every year, and if you want, they will teach you how to make your own cheese, too. Read more…
   
• Jeffrey D. Gignac recently became a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Virginia. Gignac, a staff accountant with Harris, Harvey, Neal & Co., LLP, Certified Public Accountants, completed all requirements for certification.  He has been an associate in the Danville office of Harris, Harvey, Neal & Co., LLP since July 2010.
  
  
• nTelos Wireless recently announced it has activated a new cell site that will enhance coverage in Danville. The new cell site was activated June 4. Areas along U.S. 29 and U.S. 58 (Danville Expressway) in southwest Danville will experience improved coverage, according to a company news release.  Read more …
  
  
• Board chair Sandie Currie announced that Trina Pratt has been named the interim director of The Boys & Girls Club of the Danville Area while the search committee begins to look for a new director. Pratt was previously the executive director of the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club in Gastonia, N.C.  Shervin Rassa, former director, has left to assume a position with the Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast in Fort Walton Beach, FL.  Read more…
  
  
• On April 21, over 500 residents of Danville, Pittsylvania County and surrounding cities and counties gathered at the Riverwalk in Danville to participate in the first annual Dan River Autism Awareness 5k. Due to requests from participants, the donation deadline was extended through May 31. Participants raised approximately $22,000, far exceeding the event fundraising goal of $15,000. A portion of the funds was donated to Autism Speaks, a national autism advocacy and research organization. The majority of the funds was used to establish the Autism Education Fund through the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region. Read more…
   
• Virginia Technical Institute has received a $50,000 matching gift challenge. The anonymous donors issued the challenge with the following statement: “For everyone who believes in the importance of the trades and believes, like we do,  VTI not only  provides this training but changes lives in the process, consider making a donation and we will match it immediately”. Read more…
  
  
• United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County recently announced that Nathan Cook has been named the new President and CEO beginning July 2. Cook is currently serving as the director of services for the Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind and has more than 17 years of experience with United Way in North Carolina and Arkansas, according to a news release. Read more…
  
  
• Luis A. Abreu, a well-known local litigator with over 30 years of experience, has been named to the Virginia Super Lawyers list as one of the top attorneys in Virginia for 2012. No more than 5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by Super Lawyers. Abreu has also been selected as one of Virginia’s Legal Elite for the past ten consecutive years for his practice in the area of Family Law/Domestic Relations, as well as the Danville Register & Bee “Readers’ Choice Favorite Lawyer”, and Showcase Magazine’s Rave Award winner for the area’s Favorite Lawyer several times. Read more…
  
  
• God’s Pit Crew, God’s Storehouse and Feeding America Southwest Virginia were the beneficiaries of a $50,000 grant that Danville received from Walmart’s “Fighting Hunger Together” initiative. During April, Walmart used local, state, and regional media outlets to promote a contest on its Facebook page to award the city with the most votes $1 million in grant money, with the top 20 communities receiving $50,000. Read more…
   
• Corey Scruggs has joined the Danville office of Bankers Insurance, LLC as a personal insurance sales executive. In this role, Scruggs will work with customers to secure personal insurance products for their homes, autos, boats, and more. Read more…
   
• Danville Regional Medical Center will hold the 2nd Annual Duathlon on July 14 at Virginia International Raceway. Proceeds will benefit United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County. Read more…
   
• The Danville Regional Foundation announced the hiring of its first DRF Fellow: Rachel Covington. Growing out of the DRF Internship Program, DRF Fellows are a viable means of bringing the talents of recent graduates into the work of DRF, while nurturing and developing the next generation of leaders.  Fellows receive career and professional development experience and exposure to philanthropic and nonprofit career opportunities. Read more…
   
• Walgreens is opening two full-service stores with drive-through pharmacies in Danville, a company spokesman confirmed. “We’ve found two locations we think will be very successful,” said Robert Elfinger, Walgreens spokesman. Read more…
   
• Bojangles’ announced it has raised a record-breaking total — more than $420,000 — for the Muscular Dystrophy Association during its 11th annual Shamrocks Against Dystrophy fundraiser. The funds will send more than 500 children to MDA Summer Camp this year. Bojangles’ is celebrating a 14-year partnership with MDA this year. The Bojangles’ on Sandy Street in Danville raised $5,017. The restaurant on U.S. 29 in Blairs raised $800 for MDA. Read more…
   
• The American Red Cross has launched its official first aid app, putting free and simple lifesaving information right in the hands of smart phone users. Read more…
   
• Troy Reid from Danville, the 2012 Virginia Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), was among 10 teens vying to represent the Southeast Region as a youth ambassador. These outstanding young people were treated to a three-day experience in Atlanta, which included career experiences at local companies and a community service project where they assembled and distributed hygiene kits for the homeless. Each finalist received a $1,000 college scholarship from the Youth of the Year program’s sponsor, Tupperware Brands Corporation, and $400 in gift cards from JCPenney. Though Troy was not selected to represent BGCA’s Southeast Region at the national competition in September, he remained positive, saying “It was an honor to represent Danville at the competition. Even if I didn’t win the title, I still feel like I won a lot, because I came home with new friends and experiences.  I am so thankful for the Boys & Girls Club and staff like Dave Thomas who really helped me attain so much.  I will always be thankful.” Read more…
  
  
• Come see David and all of the staff from DocuSystems Co., Inc.  on Tuesday, July 10, at their new location at 3801 U.S. Highway 29 North in Danville. A ribbon cutting will be at 11:00 with the grand Opening from 10:00 to 4:00. There will be a live remote with WAKG 103.3. Stop by, have food and refreshments, and register for door prizes. See their new line of Desktop Personal Printers/Scanners for your home or office. DocuSystems will also be displaying the latest Konica Minolta bizhub technology contained in their multifunction office equipment.
  
  
• WBTM’s news department captured two top honors at the 2012 Virginia Association of Broadcasters Award Banquet in Virginia Beach. Read more…
  
  

The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce is committed to celebrating the “bright spots” of our community, which are those things—big and small—which make us proud to call this place our home for work, play, and family.

• Joey Wilkerson, of Averett University, recently participated in a Rotary Group Study Exchange (GSE) team spending several weeks in Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Rotary Foundation’s GSE program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for businesspeople and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers. The program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits in paired areas of different countries. Read about Joey's experiences here...

• The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Danville Area proudly annoucned that Troy Reid, club member and Senior at George Washington High School is the Virginia Youth of the Year. Reid went on to represent Danville as one of ten teens vying to represent the Southeast Region as a youth ambassador at the national level. Though Reid was not selected at the national competition, he recieved a $1,000 college scholarship. Read more about Reid's inspirational story and his plans for the future...

• The City of Danville and Gamewood Technology are working to open up the first phase of bringing broadband access to residents in the city. The first phase will allow access to 460 homes with plans to extend access to 700 additional homes in the second phase. Read more...

If you have a “cheer” to send out, please email the Chamber at chamber@dpchamber.org with a brief description.

The Chamber’s Board of Directors is currently in the process of identifying and nominating a slate of candidates for seats on the Board of Directors (effective January 1, 2013).

If you have a candidate you would like for the Nominating Committee to consider, please contact Laurie S. Moran, CCE, President, Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 99, 8653 US Highway 29, Blairs, VA  24527, or by email at lmoran@dpchamber.org.

Candidates must be active members in good standing, designated as a representative by the member business, be qualified for such directorship, and have agreed to accept the responsibility of a directorship.

Nominations should be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday, July 16, 2012.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Chamber office.

The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce has announced that it will participate in the first annual Governor’s Bowl Chamber of Commerce Challenge food and fund drive. The “Governor’s Bowl” campaign will run through Independence Day (July 4th), helping to keep Virginia’s food banks stocked during the summer months, which are typically slower for food donations.

Ways to Donate

• Mail your donations to God’s Storehouse at PO Box 2600, Danville, VA 24541 or drop them off at their physical location at 750 Memorial Drive, Danville. God's Storehouse is open on Monday – Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m. and on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m.
• Mail your donations to Northern Pittsylvania County Food Center, PO Box 125, Gretna, VA 24557. Or, food items can be dropped off at the former Weal Presbyterian Church building west of Chatham on June 21 and the American Legion building in Gretna on June 22 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Shop Ben David Jewelers located at 459 Mount Cross Road, Danville – Throughout the month of June, Ben David Jewelers will donate a portion of the proceeds of everything sold to benefit our local food bank, God’s Storehouse, as part of the Governor’s Bowl – Chamber Challenge food and fund drive campaign. We encourage those searching for gifs for Weddings, Graduations, Father’s Day, or Anniversaries to visit Ben David Jewelers today. Each purchase you make will delight the recipient and help feed those in need!
• In the spirit of “People Helping People” URW Community Federal Credit Union offices will be accepting food and fund donations for the 2012 Chamber of Commerce Challenge. Donations will be accepted until July 4, 2012 at the following locations: 539 Arnett Boulevard; 364 Lowes Drive, Suite H; 142 South Main Street (DRMC); and their newest location inside the Goodyear Plant. Let’s work together to fight hunger in our community.
• Drop-off your items at your closest Danville Dental Associates office and register to win gift cards. Offices located at 5011 Riverside Drive, Danville; 770 Piney Forest Road, Danville; 1429 South Boston Road, Danville; and 19144 Highway 29 North, Chatham.
• Dixon Hughes Goodman located at 110 Exchange Street, Suite G, Danville, is having a food drive. Their goal is to contribute 500-1000 cans, etc. of food.

*Please make a note on your donations that it is part of the Chamber Challenge* 



Fun Ideas for Your Business to Get Involved

• Dress Down Day- if you bring in a certain number of food items you may wear casual attire.
• Potluck Day- everyone brings a dish for lunch and in order to gain entrance you must bring a certain number of food items or pay an admission fee.
• Costume Theme Day- create a theme; if you bring in a certain number of food items or cash amount you may dress in a costume with that theme.
• Food Theme Day- challenge co-workers to bring in as many different food items as possible in a certain category, for example, food geared towards people with diabetes, or food for children in a particular age group. Whoever has the most different types of food within the category wins a prize.
• Lunch for the Hungry Day- everyone contributes what they would normally spend on lunch.
• Prizes- have local businesses donate gift certificates and items that can be raffled.
• Totals- display daily totals in high-traffic areas or announce totals using emails to keep people up to date and involved.
• Friendly Competition- conduct non-monetary waging and/or email wars between other Chamber offices/members.
• Rewards- have rewards for staff members who donate more than 20 cans or $100. 

The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce has announced that it will participate in the first annual Governor’s Bowl Chamber of Commerce Challenge food and fund drive. The “Governor’s Bowl” campaign will run through Independence Day (July 4th), helping to keep Virginia’s food banks stocked during the summer months, which are typically slower for food donations.

Pamela Irvine, President and CEO of Feeding America Southwest Virginia, said, “Summertime is one of the most challenging times to keep our distribution centers filled with food. We see a higher demand for food assistance during the summer months because children are out of school. Parents of children who would normally receive free or reduced price breakfasts and lunches at school are in need of other resources to help feed their children. Over 80,000 children in Southwest Virginia are food insecure.”

Three Chamber offices and one state government office will receive a Governor’s bowl based on the total number of pounds of food donated (every dollar donated will equal four pounds). Chamber offices will compete with other like-size offices in categories small, medium and large as determined by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Governor McDonnell will personally deliver awards to the winning chamber and state agency offices after the conclusion of the “Governor’s Bowl.”

In a press conference earlier this year, Governor McDonnell said, “The ‘Governor’s Bowl’ is a unique opportunity to bring large corporations, small businesses and public sector employees together for a cause that everyone can agree with – and that is combating hunger in our communities. As Virginians, we are fortunate to live in a Commonwealth full of plenty; however, hunger remains pervasive. Since 2006, Virginia food banks have seen a 54 percent increase in demand. In the last six months, food banks have experienced a drop of 50 percent in food donations. Summer months are particularly tough for food banks to keep their shelves stocked. Today, we are challenging the business community and our great state agencies to join in this new competition that will help our food banks during one of its most challenging times for food banks in Virginia, especially with the number of children who are out of school and do not have access to before and after school meal programs.”

Business and individuals are encouraged to support our local food banks - God’s Storehouse and Northern Pittsylvania County Food Center. Please note that it is part of the Chamber Challenge.

Contributions can be mailed to God’s Storehouse at PO Box 2600, Danville, VA or taken to their physical location at 750 Memorial Drive, Danville. God's Storehouse is open on Monday – Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m. and on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m.

Contributions can be mailed to Northern Pittsylvania County Food Center, PO Box 125, Gretna, VA 24557. Food items can be dropped off at the former Weal Presbyterian Church building west of Chatham on June 21 and the American Legion building in Gretna on June 22 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

If businesses or organization want to offer special promotions to encourage support for the food banks or if you have any questions, please contact the Chamber office at 434-836-6990 or chamber@dpchamber.org.