Member News
Lynchburg City Council Appoints Interim City Manager
On Tuesday, September 8, Lynchburg City Council appointed Deputy City Manager Reid Wodicka to serve in the position of Interim City Manager. Wodicka will serve in the interim position until City Council appoints a new city manager. He will assume his new duties immediately. Former City Manager Bonnie Svrcek retired September 1. According to Mayor MaryJane Dolan, City Council will be moving forward in its recruitment efforts to fill the city manager position. “City Council owes it to this community and
Gleaning to Distribute Foods and Toys in Brookneal, VA
This Saturday, September 12, Gleaning For The World will distribute frozen foods, fresh produce, loaves of bread, and personal hygiene products to residents of Brookneal, Virginia. The organization will even be giving out new toys for children that day as part of their second ‘Big Community Give,’ which will be held, in partnership with Brookneal Emergency Assistance Ministry (B.E.A.M.) from 10am until 2pm at Green Spring Baptist Church. All Brookneal residents in need of these items are welcome to
WSLS 10 to Host a Socially Distant Halloween Event
ROANOKE, Va. – Searching for a family-friendly Halloween activity? Look no more! For a SAFE and FREE Halloween experience, come to the WSLS 10 Drive-Thru Trick-or-Treating event. WSLS 10’s Drive-Thru Trick-or-Treating experience will be held on Friday, October 30 from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at Layman Family Farms. “Our goal is to create a safe experience where our children and neighbors can continue making positive memories during these trying times,” said Vice President and General Manager Jaimie León.
Gleaning For The World and Mister Goodies present SHARE-a-BEAR-a-THON on National Teddy Bear Day, S
National Teddy Bear Day – September 9th – is a day to celebrate Teddy Bears! Teddy bears, and other stuffed animals – unicorns, dolphins, bunnies, for example, bring joy to children all around the world. Local Concord-based organization, Gleaning For The World, collects new and gently-used stuffed animals as part of their Teddy Bear Brigade program. Through this program, stuffed animals are given to children whose homes and lives have been turned upside down whenever natural disaster
PINNACLE IS ONE OF 50 COMPANIES THAT CARE IN PEOPLE MAGAZINE
NASHVILLE, TN, Sept. 2, 2020 –Pinnacle Financial Partners has again earned a spot on PEOPLE magazine’s “50 Companies That Care” list, jointly chosen by the publication and Great Place to Work®. The firm joins much larger national brands like Publix , CISCO and Hilton on the list, all chosen for the generosity of their company benefits and charitable work, as well as personal accounts of the impact these organizations have made on the lives of their employees. The fourth annual list will be featured in the
Runk & Pratt Alzheimers's Golf Tournament
Runk & Pratt Golf will host a golf tournament at Ivy Hill Golf Club to raise funding for Alzheimer’s research. This Captain's Choice tournament happens Friday, September 18 and will kick off with a 1:00 pm shotgun. The $75 entry fee includes catered lunch, prizes, range balls, cart fee, two (2) drink tickets, and more. If you know just one person with Alzheimer’s, you know how devastating it can be for families, friends, and entire communities. It only takes one person to change your life and the lives
Brown Edwards CEO named as one of Virginia's most powerful leaders
Virginia Business magazine released the inaugural edition of the Virginia 500 – the 2020 Power List. This list consists of the Commonwealth’s most powerful and influential corporate and community leaders by sector. Brown Edwards is pleased to announce its CEO Jason Hartman is included in the Professional Services sector. Brown Edwards is the largest non-national, independent accounting firm in Virginia with additional offices in West Virginia and Tennessee. The firm is recognized as one of the country’s
Gleaning For The World asking for supplies for victims of Hurricane Laura
While Hurricane Marco slowed down and dissipated, Laura strengthened into a Category 4 Hurricane with 150 mph winds when it made landfall in Louisiana, just about 35 miles from the border of Texas. Gleaning For The World started collecting supplies days before the storm hit, and the organization has already sent one tractor trailer on its way to help victims of this storm. A second tractor trailer filled with supplies is scheduled to leave on Monday. Because of the urgent need to respond to this
Central Virginia COVID-19 Round 2 Funding Application Now Open for Non-Profits
GRANT GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES The United Way of Central Virginia COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund was established to support human service nonprofit organizations that are successfully responding through community-based programs to the needs of individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic consequences. The first round of grants were awarded in May to 20 nonprofit organizations for amounts up to $2,000 to primarily address emergency needs such as food, shelter, health,
Gleaning for the World Prepares for Laura and Marco
With Tropical Storm Laura and Hurricane Marco looming in the Gulf, Gleaning For The World is preparing to respond. “This is what we do,” Gleaning’s president, Jeane Smiley-Mason said. “Natural Disasters do not stop – even during a pandemic. This is our first attempt to host a collection of supplies during this COVID-19 era. Our team is taking extra precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of our donors, staff and volunteers.” Gleaning For The World will park their truck at their regular spot
Pinnacle Adds Diversity and Inclusion Officer to Spearhead Social Equity Work
NASHVILLE, TN, Aug. 17, 2020 – Pinnacle Financial Partners has named firm veteran Eddie Alford its first diversity and inclusion officer. Alford will lead and coordinate work on diversity, inclusion and related issues across all areas of the firm and will join its leadership team. He will develop concrete, action-oriented initiatives to build on Pinnacle’s foundation as a great place to work. Alford also will serve as a thought leader who centers diversity, inclusion and equity in all of the firm’s work
JEFF RAYMOND JOINS ‘THE GROOVE’ ON-AIR TEAM
DJ Media, locally-owned and operated parent company for ‘105.5 KD Country’ and ‘102.1 The Groove’ is excited to announce that beginning Monday, August 24, 2020, Jeff Raymond, the 2019 Lynchburg Hillcats In-game Host and PA Announcer will be heard nightly from 7 p.m. to midnight on 102.1 The Groove! “102.1 The Groove” serves Lynchburg and surrounding areas 24/7 with Motown, Beatles, and more from the 60s and 70s. “We’re excited to welcome Jeff to our on-air team” said Dave Hoehe, Vice-President and
Segra Press Release - Disaster Recovery
Segra’s DRaaS and business continuity plans are critical for any business, and are particularly important during hurricane season. Segra’s disaster recovery and business continuity plan includes step-by-step processes to ensure continued operation of business critical systems in the event of a disaster. Specific goals of the plan include: Minimizing interruptions to normal operationsLimiting the extent of disruption and damageEstablishing alternative means of operation when neededTraining personnel with
(“ORDER OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY FIVE REQUIREMENT TO WEAR FACE COVERING WHILE INSIDE BUILDINGS'')
As you are aware, Governor Northam and VDH issued Executive Order 63 – Order of Public Health Emergency Five (“ORDER OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY FIVE REQUIREMENT TO WEAR FACE COVERING WHILE INSIDE BUILDINGS”). The Order requires patrons in the Commonwealth age ten and over…to cover their mouth and nose with a face covering…when entering, exiting, traveling through, and spending time inside” businesses listed in the Order. It requires employees to wear face coverings over their nose and mouth at all times
Va. Secretary of Finance said Virginians could see steady increase in economic activity
by Caroline Kealy & Taylor ColemanLYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) -- The Virginia Secretary of Finance, Aubrey Layne, joined the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance on Wednesday to update citizens on Virginia's current economic status. Layne said that there is a $22 billion general fund budget each year. Four months ago, the economy was booming and the unemployment rate was low. The positive economic climate changed in March when the economy shut down. Layne said that in March, it was forecasted that in the
Area school officials talk reopening plans and community collaboration at online Business at Breakfast
Jamey Cross Superintendents from local school divisions discussed their plans for reopening schools in the fall amid the COVID-19 pandemic — and how local businesses can help make their plans reality — during Wednesday’s Business at Breakfast event hosted by the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance. Officials at the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance moderated the online event, which featured panelists Robert Arnold, superintendent at Amherst County Public Schools; Annette Bennett, superintendent at
Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance to host ‘Wednesdays@One’ with Virginia Secretary of Finance, Aubrey Layne
LYNCHBURG, Va.— On Wednesday, July 22, the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance will host the Virginia Secretary of Finance, Aubrey Layne, to discuss the Commonwealth’s revenue, budget, and economic situation. The purpose of this event is to benefit the community with accurate and updated information about the revenue and economic status of Virginia. This event is particularly timely because on July 20, Secretary Layne and other members of the Northam Administration and General Assembly staff will be
Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance continues Inequality Initiative through Minority-Owned Business Database
LYNCHBURG, Virginia – On Tuesday, June 16, the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, in partnership with leadership from Blackwater Branding and Financial Fancy, launched an ongoing database for minority-owned businesses in the Lynchburg region. The purpose of this database is to create a consistent clearinghouse and provide a platform for networking, empowerment and support. Any minority-owned business can register for inclusion in the database and future listings. Businesses that register will
Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance to host Business at Breakfast with Local Superintendents
LYNCHBURG, Virginia -- Wednesday, July 22 at 8 a.m., the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance will be hosting a virtual “Business at Breakfast” with our region’s superintendents to discuss getting students back to school this fall. The conversation will cover what restrictions and guidelines parents and students can expect, and how to keep the next generation learning and growing in a safe environment. “Business at Breakfast” will host the following guest panelists: Dr. Robert Arnold, Superintendent,
Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance joins National Initiative to Address Inequality of Opportunity
Yesterday, Tuesday, June 9, the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance announced it is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on a national initiative to address inequality of opportunity. The Alliance will join the U.S. Chamber’s national townhall event on June 25 where business and community leaders will discuss concrete actions that can be taken by government and the private sector to address inequality through education, employment, entrepreneurship, and criminal justice reform. In a
Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance launches campaign to encourage citizens to get ‘Back to Business’ safely
LYNCHBURG, Virginia -- Today, Friday, June 12, the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance released a public service announcement campaign video to encourage the community to stay safe and be kind as businesses reopen. The Alliance created this campaign with media partners and the Regional COVID-19 Business Support Task Force. The Regional COVID-19 Business Support Task Force is made up of economic development representatives from the City of Lynchburg, Campbell County, Bedford County, Amherst
Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance creates directory for minority-owned businesses
By Michael AlachnowiczPublished: Jun. 17, 2020 at 5:17 PM EDT The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance has started a new partnership to help minority-owned businesses. The partnership is with Blackwater Branding. Together, they're creating a minority-owned business directory. They want to help increase visibility and networking for those businesses. A publication highlighting those places will also be made. "And in that, black-owned businesses will be featured - their name, website, phone number,
PHOTOS: Dennis Carter retirement dinner
Taylor Irby Thankfulness was the theme at a dinner for Dennis Carter, former ABC 13 sports director, hosted at the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance on Sunday. A large crowd of coaches, former coworkers and friends gathered to recognize Carter's 37-year career. After a handful of speakers finished, Carter recognized each group that attended and thanked them for being there. "It's an amazing experience, one I'll never forget," he said of the evening.Dennis Carter, former ABC 13 sports director,
Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance gives advice to parents juggling additional responsibilities
Seemingly overnight, many parents have found themselves working from home and homeschooling their children for the first time in their lives in the wake of COVID-19. The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance pulled together leaders in the community, school and healthcare systems to speak to viewers during its weekly Wednesdays@One Webinar Series about how to help parents release some of the pressures of educating their children while also taking care of their own well being. Heather Boyles, supervisor of
Lynchburg makes it easier to find local minority-owned businesses
Lynchburg Business Alliance teams up with two Black business owners to create database.LYNCHBURG, Va. - Lynchburg is making it easier to find minority-owned businesses in the area. The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance is patterning with two Black-owned businesses, Blackwater Branding and Financial Fancy, to launch a database. Officials said the idea came up during community conversations. Business owners who are Black, Hispanic, Asian, or of another ethnicity can fill out the online form to help
Kaine, others address Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance amid coronavirus crisis
View story at The News & Advance...The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance on Wednesday hosted Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va.; Dr. Kerry Gateley, health director for the Central Virginia Health District; and Barry DuVal, president and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, to update the business community about critical work being done in both the health care system and in Richmond during the coronavirus pandemic. Gateley, health director for the Central Virginia Health District, noted that as of 1:30 p.m.
Lynchburg Business Alliance helping local business owners to stay afloat during coronavirus outbreak
View story at WSLS Lynchburg Business Alliance is helping local business owners find the right resources to stay afloat during the coronavirus outbreak. Christine Kennedy, the group’s chief operating officer, said they’ve been getting a lot of questions on how to handle the impact. To practice social distancing, the group held a webinar for more than 800 of its members and answer their questions as well as offer resources. Right now, business leaders say restaurants and the hospitality industry as a
Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance touts job growth, investments at annual meeting
View story at The News & Advance...During the past year, the Lynchburg region saw 307 new jobs created, received $191,000 in economic development grants, had $34.8 million in capital investments and 59 new economic development investors. These highlights were shared at the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance’s 2020 Annual Meeting on Wednesday. Ryan McEntire, taxation partner with Brown Edwards and incoming chairman for the alliance’s board of directors, said because of the foresight and vision of leaders
Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance Advocates for Members in Richmond
RICHMOND, Virginia – Representatives of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance participated with other chambers and businesses from around the Commonwealth at Chamber Day at the Capitol on January 23 in Richmond. The annual event, organized by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, provides Chamber executives with personal briefings from the Governor and Virginia’s top government including leaders and legislators. Additionally, Alliance staff met with members of our legislative delegation and our
Alliance Welcomes New Director of Government Relations
The Alliance is pleased to announce the hiring of John Putney as Director of Government Relations. John comes to the Alliance with 25 years of legislative and lobbying experience having worked with local, state and national organizations such as Hurt & Proffitt, Harris Corporation (now L3Harris), JMU, McGuire Woods, just to name a few. In this role, John will manage the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance’s public policy work, monitor and provide guidance on issues affecting the Alliance and its members,
Economic Summit brings together business leaders to hear national, regional trends
View story at The News & Advance...The national economic outlook, trade policies and the possibility of a recession were all points of discussion during Thursday’s annual Economic Summit at the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance. The event’s featured speaker was Mark Vitner, director and senior economist at Wells Fargo Securities, who is responsible for tracking U.S. and regional economic trends. He said recession concerns have abated significantly as, among other things, stock markets have reached new
Legislators brief Lynchburg-area business leaders ahead of General Assembly
View full story at The News & Advance...Ahead of the Jan. 8 start of the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, local legislators met Tuesday morning with about 75 Lynchburg-area business leaders to brief them about what changes could come in the spring and how their businesses could be affected. Sen. Mark Peake, R-Lynchburg; Sen. Steve Newman, R-Bedford County; Del. Kathy Byron, R-Bedford; and Delegate-elect Wendell Walker, who in November was elected to represent Virginia’s 23rd House District, spoke about
River Ridge Mall development discussed during Lynchburg business breakfast
View full story at The News & Advance...Although many changes to Lynchburg's River Ridge mall already are underway, and shoppers have seen results of Liberty University’s $20 million investment, the mall's redevelopment will bring more new features over the next few years. And no, Cheesecake Factory won't be among them. But shoppers can expect a new large sporting-goods store, new eateries and other renovations to the interior and exterior. Craig Pettitt, vice president of real estate for Liberty
Appalachian Power awards $10K grant to Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance
See full story at ABC 13 -- Appalachian Power announced a total of $125,000 in grant funding that has been awarded to nine organizations to help support local economic development efforts. According to a press release, these funds were provided by Appalachian Power in the form of grants to government and nonprofits that oversee programs and initiatives tied to economic development. The organizations submitted applications to Appalachian Power’s Economic Development Growth Enhancement (EDGE). The grant
$100,000 grant approved for Central Virginia Training Center redevelopment plan
View full story at ABC 13 - The Central Virginia Training Center could soon get a face lift. The GO Virginia Region 2 Council approved the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance’s project for the Central Virginia Training Center Redevelopment Plan. The grant requested $100,000 to assist in the cost of a redevelopment plan for the site located in Amherst County. The Central Virginia Planning District Commission, the County of Amherst, and the Amherst County Economic Development Authority all provided matching
The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance Announces the 2019 Business Hall of Fame Inductees
The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance is pleased to announce inductees into the 2019 Business Hall of Fame. These inductees have significantly impacted business, industry and the community of the Lynchburg region in some significant manner, either through sustained superior accomplishment or through a specific important achievement. These individuals are and have been critical to our existing business landscape. “Our 2019 Business Hall of Fame inductees continue the high standard set by last year’s
Winners in the Briefcase Open Golf Classic
Congratulations to the winners of our Briefcase Open Golf ClassicFIRST FLIGHT1st Place – Score of 54 (pictured right) New York Life –Colton Moon, Bobby Moon, Cameron Yancey and Sam Price2nd Place – Score of 55 First National Bank – George Vaughan, Daniel Wheeler, Chris Gibson, Al Sears SECOND FLIGHT 1st Place – Score of 61 Lion's Pride – Kate Dahl, Giles Sydnor, Chris Jones, Aaron Meek 2nd Place – Score of 62 Chapman Insurance – Rob Chapman, Scott Johnson, Kevin Woody, Tom Leedy CONTEST Longest
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Level Up YP Summit draws 120 YP’s to Downtown Lynchburg
The Level Up YP Summit presented by Delta Star was a conference for the next generation of leaders organized by the Young Professionals of Central VA (YPCV) of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance. The event sold out in less than three weeks and had 120 of the best and brightest young leaders in attendance. Attendees were energized by inspiring work sessions led by several regional executives, an opening workshop on improving presenting skills by Virginia Tech Associate Professor Greg Justice, and a
New Inside Lynchburg Region Magazine Published
The Inside Lynchburg Region magazine has been distributed and is inclusive of the region featuring Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Campbell, Counties and the City of Lynchburg. The online version is a dedicated website at InsideLynchburgRegion.com with a view of the digital magazine as well. This high-quality publication continues to be recognized as the guide for people planning to relocate to the region as well as a valuable resource for residents and businesses in our region. Limited copies of the
