Member News
Virginia Business: Women In Leadership - Mary Ann Gilmer
View story in Virginia Business...Workforce development and community betterment are key goals of Roanoke-based Goodwill Industries of the Valleys. And Mary Ann Gilmer, the nonprofit’s chief strategy and people officer, is furthering its mission through GoodCare, a medical workforce training program. The program connects Roanoke Valley residents to workforce training in health care — something that has become even more important amid the COVID-19 pandemic and high industry turnover. The program aids
Drinkard making a mark on Boonsboro Country Club golf staff
See story at The News & Advance...Boonsboro Country Club members have seen a new face around the golf course since the middle of May. Jillian Drinkard spends her days mentoring girls in the club’s PGA Junior League program, providing lessons to others and playing a round or two with members. Drinkard isn’t exactly a new face to those who are familiar with the Bedford County course. She previously interned on Aaron Marks’ staff the summer following her freshman year at Methodist University, and she recently
Lynchburg Public Library's downtown branch reopens
After being closed since March 2020 because of COVID-19 and then construction at Lynchburg City Hall, the doors of the Lynchburg Public Library’s downtown branch once again are open wide. “We were closed a little longer than we would have liked because of the construction process, then we had to hire staff again. This was just the right time. We wanted to do it within this fiscal year,” Library Director Beverly Blair said. The library, located on the ground floor of city hall at 900 Church St.,
Sean Horne Announced as President
View story here...(June 3, 2022) – Balzer and Associates is excited to announce that we are welcoming our 3rd generation of leadership with the appointment of Sean Horne, LA as President. He succeeds Jim McAden, who led firm since 1984. Throughout the company’s 54-year history, Balzer & Associates has successfully developed and transitioned leaders at every level of the company. “As a Project Manager, Department Head, Stockholder, and Board member, Sean has always been committed to doing whatever it
Excellent financial management leads Sweet Briar’s Luther Griffith to be named a finalist for state award
Luther T. Griffith, Sweet Briar College’s vice president for finance, operations, and auxiliary enterprises, was named a finalist in the 17th annual 2022 Virginia CFO Awards, announced by Virginia Business magazine at a dinner and awards ceremony held at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond on June 16. Fifty-one chief financial officers (CFOs) from around the Commonwealth were nominated in four award categories, representing large and small companies, nonprofits and government agencies. Griffith was one of
Construction well underway at the new Rustburg Middle School
View story at The News & Advance...Roughly six months before students will enter the building for the first time, the Campbell County Board of Supervisors toured the under-construction Rustburg Middle School this past week, getting a sneak peek at the brand-new building. As of now, the school is scheduled to open to students in January 2023, when the spring semester starts. As Campbell County Public Schools Superintendent Robert Johnson led the tour, the overarching themes of the new building were
CVCC offers on campus CDL program to satisfy growing need of drivers
Central Virginia Community College has expanded on its CDL program, now offering on-campus training with hopes to help residents in the community and address the shortage of drivers in the supply chain. The program gives students the opportunity to attain a Class A CDL. “It’s a great time to be a Virginian, because there has never been a time like this where there’s funding available to help our community but also to help those in our community to get into a highly skilled and very well paying trade,”
Juneteenth Festival Draws Large Crowd
View story at The News & Advance...Hundreds gathered at Lazy Days Winery on June 18 for the inaugural Juneteenth Festival in Amherst County, soaking in music, food and community spirit. The event organized by the Amherst branch of the NAACP was among numerous ones in the Lynchburg area commemorating the end of slavery for African Americans when the last enslaved were liberated by the Union Army on June 19, 1865. JeShaun Clark, co-chair and founder of the Amherst Juneteenth Festival, said the event is
HEATH BARRET EARNS SALES AWARD: Lifetime Sales Achievement Award recognizes chamber of commerce sales
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) has awarded Heath Barret of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance with the Dana Ketterling Lifetime Sales Achievement Award. The award recognizes career sales achievement, with awards based on the total number or total dollar amount of chamber membership sales. Barret earned recognition in the Bronze category for achieving 500 transactions or $175,000 in sales in chamber memberships throughout his career. “Membership sales
National Center for Healthy Veterans celebrates another milestone
View coverage at WDBJ7...CAMPBELL COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) - At the Lancaster County, PA village on Valor Farm, the first veterans’ community center has been built. Complete with a new kitchen and exercise room, another step has been made in helping those who fought for our country. A crowd listened in as the building was dedicated Wednesday. “We think our nation’s veterans deserve to be healthy, deserve to be given the privilege to reach their full God-given potential and then pay back to America as only they
A big economic development opportunity’ for Lynchburg area
View full story at the Cardinal News...The state budget includes $25 million to pay off bonds on the now-closed Central Virginia Training Center in Amherst County. Here’s why that’s such a big deal (and why some neighbors worry). An aerial view of the Central Virginia Training Center site. Courtesy of Training Center Master Plan. It’s captivating to watch Vickie Seacrist feed the deer that mill around her front yard like lazy cats. On any given morning she can be found amidst about a dozen deer, a few of
https://www.lynchburgva.gov/downtown-branch-lynchburg-public-library-reopen-june-21
View story at The News & Advance...On Tuesday, June 21 at 10:00 a.m., the Downtown Branch of the Lynchburg Public Library, located on the ground floor of City Hall, 900 Church Street, will reopen to the public after being closed because of COVID. Branch Library hours will be 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. To celebrate the reopening, the Downtown Branch will host weeklong programs and activities for people of all ages. Those who attend one of these programs or activities will be eligible to
BWXT subsidiary to build first U.S. nuclear microreactor
View story at Virginia Business... BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC, a subsidiary of Lynchburg-based nuclear components and fuel supplier BWX Technologies Inc., will build the first advanced nuclear microreactor in the United States under a $300 million contract awarded by the Department of Defense’s Strategic Capabilities Office, the company announced Thursday. In March 2021, BWXT was chosen as one of two companies to develop a final prototype design. The transportable reactor prototype, known as
Appalachian Power plan would provide broadband internet in Montgomery, Bland counties
View story at The Roanoke Times...About 12,000 homes and businesses in rural parts of Montgomery County that lack reliable high-speed internet could gain broadband access via Appalachian Power Co. The utility’s proposal, which would also serve about 3,000 customers in Bland County, was filed this week with the State Corporation Commission. In rural and mountainous areas, the challenge is to provide what’s called middle-mile infrastructure to cover the long distance between local networks. Once that gap is
'From a dream to reality': A look at the plan to transform CVTC site
View story at The News & Advance...In 25 years, a walk through the grounds of the former Central Virginia Training Center may include a view of townhomes, single-family houses, a village center area and a restaurant, among other attractions and amenities. For Lynchburg area-officials, that would be a walk to remember and a dream come true. The well-known line, “If you build it, they will come,” from the 1989 film “Field of Dreams,” for now is aimed at a buyer, most likely a developer or business entity,
Local, state officials looking ahead to 'unique opportunity' with CVTC site
View story at The News & Advance...What some people once thought might be impossible has been proven possible with the removal of $25 million in bonds for the Central Virginia Training Center. The process — which state and local officials hope will clear the way to redevelop the 350-acre property that served residents with disabilities until the center closed in 2020 — will take place between now and October. The state’s fiscal year 2023-24 biennium budget, which the General Assembly approved June 1,
David Sheaffer Named Construction Financial Management Association Rising Star
David Sheaffer, a Director in Brown Edwards’ Lynchburg office, has been honored as a Rising Star by the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). This year marks the second class of CFMA Rising Stars, who are selected from a national group of eligible honorees. To be eligible the honoree must be under 40 years old, a leader in their community, and have positively impacted their company and the construction industry. For the past eleven years, David has been a key member of the firm’s Top 50
National D-Day Memorial receives $1 million gift
View story at The News & Advance...On June 6, the 78th anniversary of World War II’s D-Day, the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford announced the receipt of a $1 million gift that will help fund an upcoming project. The John and Doris Fowler family of Hume, Virginia, committed $1 million to support the memorial’s plans to construct a “motor pool,” a 1940s period-style building to house vehicles, equipment and other artifacts from the era, according to a news release from the memorial. This will dedicate a
Huge Win for CVTC Master Redevelopment Plan - $25 Million Included in the Biennium Budget
(Lynchburg, VA) – On June 1, 2022, both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly delivered the agreed to 2023-2024 Biennium Budget to Governor Glen Youngkin. Included in the budget was the $25 million member request from State Senator Steve Newman (R-Lynchburg) to defease the remaining bonds on the Central Virginia Training Center. "I am pleased that the General Assembly chose to include $25 million in the state budget to fully defease all outstanding bonds at CVTC,” said Senator Newman. “Our local
Amherst County comprehensive plan update breaks down trends
View story at The News & Advance...The most recent update to the Amherst County Comprehensive Plan, a guide for critical land use decisions that will determine growth and development within the county, is nearing the public hearing phase for citizen input. The Amherst County Planning Commission, which makes zoning and land use recommendations to the county’s board of supervisors, recently received a final version of the 400-plus-page document and voted to soon have a public hearing on it, although a
The M&A Advisor Honors McGuireWoods for Healthcare/Life Sciences Deal of the Year
McGuireWoods is a winner of The M&A Advisor’s Healthcare/Life Sciences Deal of the Year Award for its role advising Canadian cannabinoid investment company Cronos Group on its strategic investment in PharmaCann Inc., one of the largest privately held and vertically integrated cannabis multistate operators in the United States. McGuireWoods will be recognized Sept. 21, 2022, during the International M&A Awards honoring top mergers and acquisitions and the firms involved in closing the transactions. The
Flora Pettit Attorneys Honored by Selection for Inclusion in the 2022 Virginia Super Lawyers List
Flora Pettit is pleased to announce that five of its attorneys have been honored by selection for inclusion in the 2022 Virginia Super Lawyers list, a Thomson Reuters business. Three of Flora Pettit’s attorneys have been recognized for inclusion in the “Virginia Super Lawyers” list and two of its attorneys have been named to the “Virginia Rising Stars” list. Super Lawyers annually selects lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement through a rigorous process
State budget includes $25 million to pay off CVTC bond debt
View story at The News & Advance...With approval of a new Virginia state budget Wednesday, $25 million was included that Lynchburg-area officials eagerly hoped for to benefit future redevelopment of the Central Virginia Training Center site. The state’s biennial fiscal year 2023-24 budget contain a request from Sen. Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg, for the $25 million in state money to defease outstanding bonds associated with CVTC in Madison Heights, which closed in 2020 and is now a prospect for future
Signing Day Event Showcases Success of Career and Technical Education Students
On May 20th, Campbell County Schools celebrated the Class of 2022 graduates who are directly entering the workforce as a result of their education, training, and experience as Career and Technical Education (CTE) students with a Signing Day Event at the Campbell County Technical Center. "No matter your educational track, one thing is certain, it's all about finding a career you love," says Principal Jon Hardie. "Our CTE students have had a chance to explore and develop their unique talents and our CTE
Alliance Participates in 2022 National Economic Development Week
The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance will be observing National Economic Development Week, from May 9th – 13th, 2022 to recognize the positive contributions of member businesses & partnerships, and explain the role of economic development in our community, including the mission of:Partnering with local economic development agencies, or EDAs, providing local data to guide decisions, exploring grants to continue industrial site development, and the creation of new jobs and investments.Advocating for
Watch Now: CVTC blueprint for redevelopment added to Amherst comprehensive plan
View story at The News & Advance...The master plan outlining the hopeful future of the Central Virginia Training Center property in Madison Heights that recently was presented in its entirety to Amherst County officials and the public is now part of the county’s comprehensive plan for growth and development. The Amherst County Planning Commission voted April 21 to include the master plan for the CVTC site, which in 2020 closed as a state-run medical facility on a campus of more than 300 acres near the
Lynchburg-area legislators talk CVTC, workforce, gas prices and more at breakfast
View story at The News & Advance...Four local legislators met Wednesday for the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance's semiannual Politics and Pancakes General Assembly wrap-up breakfast held at the University of Lynchburg. Sen. Steve Newman, Sen. Mark Peake, Del. Kathy Byron and Del. Wendell Walker gathered to discuss the hot topics they worked on during this year’s session. All four are Republicans. Scott Kowalski, chair of the Alliance's government relations committee, led the panel discussion and
Unveiling of the Central Virginia Training Center Master Redevelopment Plan to Amherst County Board of Supervisors
Lynchburg, VA) – Yesterday, Tuesday, April 5, the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, the regional chamber of commerce and economic development organization, and HDR, a community planning partner, unveiled the master redevelopment plan for the Central Virginia Training Center (CVTC) site at the Amherst County Board of Supervisors meeting in Amherst, VA. The CVTC Master Redevelopment Plan will be a catalyst for connecting the twin communities of Madison Heights in Amherst County and the City of
Watch Now: Redevelopment plan for CVTC site presented to Amherst County supervisors
View story at The News & Advance...AMHERST — Two years after the last resident of the Central Virginia Training Center was moved from the Madison Heights campus, a plan to redevelop the property was presented Tuesday to the Amherst County Board of Supervisors. The CVTC Master Redevelopment Plan will be a catalyst for connecting the twin communities of Madison Heights and the city of Lynchburg and aims to transform the closed site into a “premier urban core that attracts talent, investment and enhances the
Regional Elected Representatives Gather at Pancakes & Politics Share Thoughts on '22 Leg Session
What: On the morning of April 13, the Lynchburg Regional Alliance will host Pancakes & Politics Legislative Wrap–Up Breakfast presented by the University of Lynchburg. This is the second in a biannual duo of events, both of which give members of the business community and the general public throughout the Lynchburg region the opportunity to hear from their elected representatives as they share their thoughts on the 2022 General Assembly Session and any expected impacts the region may face, followed by an
Alliance to Host Second Annual Inclusion Summit More Than A Moment with Keynote, Dr. Bowtie
(Lynchburg, VA)- On Thursday, March 24, 2022, the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance will host its second annual Inclusion Summit presented by Liberty University. The summit will assist attendees in creating action steps for moving towards a more inclusive and equitable work culture. Executive leadership, business resource group members, human resources partners, diversity, equity, & inclusion (DE&I) practitioners, and employers wanting to advance their understanding of topics related to DE&I should
Employer Vaccination and Booster Clinic at the Alliance
Lynchburg, VA)- The Work Healthy Coalition of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health, will be hosting an Employer Vaccination and Booster Clinic next Friday, March 11, from 8 to 11 a.m. The event is open to Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance members, regional employees, and their families, and the general public. While appointments are preferred, walk-in patients are also welcome. You must be 5 years of age or older in order to receive a vaccine.
SBDC- Lynchburg Region Welcomes Jawansa Hall, New Branding & Marketing Business Advisor
(Lynchburg, VA)- The Small Business Development Center – Lynchburg Region is excited to welcome Jawansa Hall. Jawansa Hall comes to the SBDC with over 16 years of creative experience in design, branding, and marketing. Having worked with some of Lynchburg’s top marketing agencies, Jawansa later established his own creative firm known as Blackwater Branding. His innovative but practical application for building brands and brand identities has gained him awards for Best Marketing Agency, Best Graphic
Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance Awarded Grant for Feasibility Study
(Lynchburg, VA)- The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance is proud to announce it has been awarded a Project Support Fund grant by the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission in the amount of $17,000. The grant was awarded for a feasibility study for a small-scale manufacturing incubator at Virginia Technical Institute (VTI) located in Altavista. VTI is a NCCER certified training facility, and they currently provide training for occupations such as electricians, welders, plumbers, industrial maintenance
RISE Medical Cannabis Dispensary Celebrates Ribbon Cutting
LYNCHBURG, VA- This Thursday, February 3, a new medical cannabis dispensary is opening in Lynchburg. RISE Medical Cannabis Dispensary, located at 1110 Campbell Avenue, will host a ribbon cutting with the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance beginning at 11 a.m. The event will feature remarks from RISE and the Alliance followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony and a quick photo session. Afterwards, RISE will host tours of the facility from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. This is the only time anyone will be allowed to
Region Weighs in on the 7th Annual ODU State of the Commonwealth Report
(Lynchburg, VA) - Yesterday, January 24, Old Dominion University released their seventh annual State of the Commonwealth Report. The report provides an overview of economic health for the Commonwealth as a whole and the metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) that make up its bulk, including the Lynchburg MSA, which includes the City of Lynchburg, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell Counties, and the Towns of Altavista, Appomattox, Bedford, Brookneal, and the Village of Rustburg. The report provides a
Alliance Welcomes New Director of Government Relations-Barry Butler
(Lynchburg, VA)- The Alliance is pleased to announce the hiring of Barry Butler as Director of Government Relations. Barry Butler comes to the Alliance with over 20 years of political, legislative and lobbying experience, having worked on over 15 congressional, state legislative, and national campaigns in Virginia, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Florida, and elsewhere across the United States. Additionally, Barry has represented numerous nonprofit organizations within the private sector, including serving as
Mizumi Japanese Bistro Celebrates Ribbon Cutting
LYNCHBURG, VA- This Saturday, January 8th, a new restaurant is celebrating its grand opening in Downtown Lynchburg. Mizumi Japanese Bistro and Moon Tea, located at 1125 Main Street, will host a ribbon-cutting with the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance beginning at 11 a.m. The event will feature remarks from Mizumi and the Alliance beginning at 11:15 a.m. followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a photo session.Anyone is welcome to attend the ribbon-cutting and help celebrate this new addition to our
Alliance & Liberty University to Host Biennial Pancakes & Politics
LYNCHBURG, VA- The annual Pancakes & Politics Legislative Outlook Breakfast, hosted by Liberty University’s Center for Law and Government, will take place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on the morning of Tuesday, December 7, 2021,at the university’s Hancock Welcome Center.At this event, guests will have the opportunity to hear from elected legislators representing the Lynchburg region at the state level regarding how the 2022 General Legislative Session will have an impact on the region’s businesses and community.
Level Up Summit Awards Excelling Young Professionals
LYNCHBURG, VA- The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance and Young Professionals of Central Virginia hosted its third annual Level Up Young Professionals Summit on Tuesday, November 16 on the campus of the University of Lynchburg. At the event, five outstanding young professionals were recognized for their professional and personal accomplishments. Each award winner was nominated by a peer and reviewed by Young Professional of Central Virginia Executive Committee members and staff. The 2021 class is as
Alliance Achieves Highest Accreditation, Fourth Consecutive Time
LYNCHBURG, VA- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance with its designation of “Accredited with 5 Stars,” the highest level of accreditation possible in the chamber industry. This is the fourth consecutive time the Alliance achieved the highest level of accreditation, validating the organization’s longstanding commitment to excellence on behalf of regional businesses and economic development and implementation of sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and
Alliance to Host 7th Annual Economic Summit Darin Mellott of CBRE to give keynote address on 2022 ec
LYNCHBURG, VA- The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance will host the 7th Annual Economic Summit, sponsored by BWX Technologies, the premier business and economic event of the year, on the morning of Friday, December 10, from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Alliance headquarters. The event will feature expert speaker, Darin Mellott, on our region and nation’s economic health and vitality as well as an economic outlook for 2022. Mr. Darin Mellott, the Americas Director of Research at CBRE, a Dallas-based company
Alliance To Welcome Five Distinguished Business Leaders into the Business Hall of Fame
LYNCHBURG, VA- The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance is pleased to announce five new inductees into the 2021 Business Hall of Fame. Launched in 2018, the Business Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have substantially impacted our community across the Lynchburg region through a lifetime of business excellence, service, and personal achievement. These business professionals are recognizable as industry leaders, remarkable local innovators, and trail blazers and were selected from a pool of excellent
American Airlines Expands LYH Flight Schedule
LYNCHBURG, October 1, 2020 ─ On the heels of a continuing recovery in local airline passenger demand, American Airlines will offer an additional regional jet flight at Lynchburg Regional Airport (LYH) starting October 8, 2020. The new service will increase American’s service to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to four roundtrip flights most days, while doubling the airport’s monthly seat capacity compared to its COVID-19 April 2020 low point. The additional flight frequency by American is in
(“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
