Member News
Young Entrepreneurs: Here’s How to Turn Your Idea Into a Successful Startup in Lynchburg, Virginia
So, you have a great idea for a business. Congratulations! The first step is always the hardest, but now that you've got your foot in the door, it's time to start turning that idea into a reality. In this article, we'll walk you through some of the key steps young entrepreneurs need to take to turn their ideas into successful startups in Lynchburg, Virginia.Writing a Business Plan The first step is to write a business plan. This may seem like an insurmountable task, but it's important to have a roadmap
La Quinta Inn & Suites is donating 10 free room nights to Centra Health this holiday season
The rooms can be used from December 21rst through December 27th for needy patients who are required to stay near the hospital for outpatient services, or for out-of-town families who are visiting hospitalized loved ones. Eligibility is left to the discretion of the Centra Health Staff. “We are a member of the Lynchburg community and this community has been very good to us,” says Cathy Pearce, Sales Manager. “In this season of sharing and caring, we want to help others who could use our services. “We
Lynchburg's Vector Space host engineering mentoring program
View story at The News & Advance...On Tuesday, the Lynchburg nonprofit makerspace Vector Space hosted a group of 40 high school students from around the region who were mentored by engineers from nuclear services firms BWX Technologies and Framatome. The students and mentors were separated into two teams for a collaborative building project. They worked together using woodworking skills as well as power tools to create the final product, a stage. — Paige Dingler
CVCC Workforce Catalog for 2023/2024
Get ready for the New Year & Check Out CVCC's Workforce Exciting New Offerings as listed in our Winter/Spring 2023 Catalogue. View details here.
Centra building new rehab facility in Lynchburg region
See story in The News & Advance...Centra will be a partner in a joint venture to build a new rehabilitation facility in the Lynchburg region. Planning and construction are awaiting regulatory approval. The project is estimated to take two years, and the new facility is set to open in 2025 on a parcel of land on Simons Run that Centra bought in 2017. Tab Culbertson, vice president and chief operations officer at Centra Health, said the partnership with Lifepoint Rehabilitation, a business unit of
Antique toys on display at Lynchburg Museum
See story at The News & Advance...The magic of Christmas often is found in the joy of children as they open toys around the family tree, and it has been that way for generations. That's why the Lynchburg Museum has set up a new exhibit this month featuring vintage toys — from the miniature Thornhill wagon made in Lynchburg, to the circa-1900 McWane family paper dolls, to a toy fire truck. The exhibit, which opens with a "First Fridays" reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2, will remain on display until Dec. 31.
Get Your Lynchburg, VA Small Business Ready for the Holidays!
The holidays are a magical time of year. Families come together, friends exchange gifts, and everyone is in good spirits. 'Tis the season for giving, after all! But if you own a small business, the holidays can also be a stressful time. There's so much to do to get ready for the holiday rush. But don't worry, we're here to help. Here's a checklist from the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance of everything you need to do to get your small business ready for the holiday season.1. Decorate Your Store to
Segra Data Centers being named Top 10 most innovative By CIO Insights
View full story in CIO Insightshere .....Faster and reliable connectivity gained prominence during the pandemic. But along with the need for increased capacity came a heighten focus on cybersecurity and data breaches. For organizations looking for safe, secure, and reliable services, Segra provides a one-stop shop for fiber and managed services for its customers. But what makes Segra different from other data centers? Read on. While there are numerous data centers in the Eastern US, Segra is a regional
YMCA Express, Bedrock Church to expand with $2.5M in updates
View story at The News & Advance...The YMCA of Central Virginia and Bedrock Church have entered a business partnership that will enhance and expand the mission work of both organizations, a news release states.Bedrock Church is investing $1.9 million into the building at 3408 Old Forest Road, which has been home to Express YMCA for the past 12 years. The church moved into the building in 2020 as a tenant after the YMCA expanded the facility. The renovation and updates will cost $2.5 million, with the YMCA
Liberty University announces plans for new residence hall, parking garage
View story at The News & Advance...Liberty University will build a new residence hall and a new parking garage, the school's president announced recently.According to a news release, the new Commons IV residence hall will stand 10 stories tall and will feature two students in each room with a private bathroom. It will connect to the Commons III residence hall. The new parking garage will hold close to 1,100 vehicles.LU Interim President Jerry Prevo made the announcement during Friday's convocation. Students
Lynchburg grant program helps small businesses expand, relocate, thrive
View story at The News & Advance...The Lynchburg Office of Economic Development and Tourism’s Local Redevelopment Program just completed its 10th cycle of offering incentives to local businesses. The program is designed to support small- and medium-scale investments in commercial property within the city of Lynchburg and supports a portion of qualified expenditures. “By assisting property owners and business owners with real property and capital investment projects, the Office of Economic Development and
Two new business leaders inducted into Alliance Hall of Fame
View story at The News & Advance...The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance held its annual Business Hall of Fame Gala on Friday at The Virginian Hotel and honored two new inductees. Megan Lucas, CEO of the Alliance, said these inductees have impacted business, industry and the community of the region in a substantial manner, either through their sustained superior accomplishments or through a specific and important achievement. “The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance strategically chose our
Effective Technology for Small Businesses in Lynchburg, VA
The business environment is rapidly changing thanks to innovation. Technology transforms the workspace by streamlining processes, automating functions, integrating systems, and enhancing security. However, the size of your business affects the cost-effectiveness of the invested technology. For startups and small businesses, having the right technology is one thing, but affordability is another significant aspect. Your business can only enjoy the benefits of practical, scalable, and reasonably-priced
Sen. Warner makes stop in Hill City to discuss clean energy, CHIPS Act with business leaders
See story at the News & Advance...U.S. Sen. Mark Warner made a stop in the Hill City on Friday afternoon, visiting the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance to meet with business and higher education leaders of Central Virginia to talk about nuclear energy and his recently-championed CHIPS and Science Act in the U.S. Senate. In addition to discussing the CHIPS Act, Warner also spoke about the recently-passed Inflation Reduction Act, which incentivizes investments into clean, renewable energy forms, such as
Lynchburg City Council candidates discuss laboratory schools, mental health during town hall
See story at The News & Advance...With early voting nearing its start Friday, six candidates for three at-large seats on Lynchburg City Council attended a town hall Monday night, debating issues such as lab schools and mental health, among several topics. New candidates Patrick Earl, Martin Misjuns, Stephanie Reed and Walter Virgil Jr., alongside incumbents Treney Tweedy and Beau Wright, answered questions from a moderator at the forum hosted by the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance. Larry Taylor, a new
Tips on How to Get Your Foot in the Door If You’re a Creative in Lynchburg
If you're a creative who’s just starting out, you’ve probably spent more time trying to get your foot in the door than on perfecting your craft. That said, it probably goes with the territory if you’re trying to make a name for yourself. Nonetheless, it still is possible to get noticed by following these helpful tips.Focus on your media kit Your media kit will preview what you’re capable of, which is why it’s important to perfect it if you want to get noticed quickly. A media kit will also provide a
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
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
'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,
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
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
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
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
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
