Member News
Liberty University picks search firm to identify next president
View story at The News & Advance...Liberty University will work with CarterBaldwin Executive Search to identify its next president. The search firm will conduct an “extensive and national search," according to a news release from LU. "We are excited about partnering with the search committee to find the right leader. Along the way we will bring to the university our commitment to always providing objective counsel and the best available expertise in executive search. It’s an honor for us to help Liberty
Market at Main opens 4th location, new breakfast and lunch option added to Wards Road
View story at ABC13...Market at Main opens 4th location, new breakfast and lunch option added to Wards Road LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — Another place to eat breakfast and lunch is now open on Wards Road. Market at Main opened its fourth Lynchburg location on Wednesday. Server Grace Aguilera said the owners were planning to open another location when the pandemic hit back in 2020. "A little bit before COVID, we were thinking about opening another location - just really didn't know," Aguilera said. "We
Kiwanis push to complete fundraising goal for downtown Lynchburg playground
View story at The News & Advance....The Lynchburg Kiwanis Club is making one last push to fundraise for the rest of a playground that will be built at the Riverfront Park downtown. The club has raised $130,000 of its $150,000 goal and hopes to fill the gap at its annual Shrimpfest, set for Aug. 20 at the park. The club revealed its plans for the 11,000-square-foot playground in early 2020, before the coronavirus pandemic. Since then, its efforts in general solicitations for businesses and individuals
Gleaning to continue collection for Eastern Kentucky flood victims
With 13 counties in Kentucky now declared federal disaster areas after the July 30 flooding, the need for help is critical. With slow receding waters, high rivers, and mudslides throughout the mountainous region, recovery and reconstruction efforts will take months and years to complete. Displaced residents are staying in shelters, with family or friends, or have made other accommodations as they continue to assess the damages to their homes and property. Others who are able to stay in their homes are
Gleaning for the World Kentucky
View story at LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — A Concord organization is working to help folks as they pick up the pieces from the devastating floods in Eastern Kentucky.Gleaning for the World is hosting a collection to help families and residents recover.View story at the News & Advance...The organization is taking non-perishable food, personal care items, and baby product donations to send to the shelters."It's really like a neighbor helping neighbor. To be able to help out people, have that good heart,
Lifelong Learning for the 50+ crowd
Join the University of Lynchburg for engaging presentations and community discussion on topics that will captivate your interest. Meet new like-minded people in a community dedicated to exploration and learning. • Weekly presentations on engaging, different topics. • 10 classes per semester (fall and spring). • Taught by University of Lynchburg faculty and staff or area educators and presenters. • Access to live recordings after the event through our online education portal. • Early access and free
Take Your Future into Your Hands
Old Dominion Job Corps is seeking non-residential candidates which meet the requirements for the Job Corps Program. The College Non-Res program consists of off-Center training at Central Virginia Community College. If you know a high school or GED graduate planning to attend Central Virginia Community College for Machine Shop, Machine Tool & Quality, Welding, or Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning, and you qualify for the Job Corps program, Old Dominion can be an additional resource available to
Lynchburg officials prepare for next phase of College Lake dam project
View story at The News & Advance...A little more than a month after celebrating the completion of the new Lakeside Drive bridge over Blackwater Creek, Lynchburg City Council received an update on the next phase of the project, which includes the draining of College Lake and the removal of the dam that sits under the old bridge. College Lake dam, classified as “high hazard” by the National Inventory of Dams (NID), has operated recently under a conditional dam safety permit due to safety issues, according to
Office of Economic Development & Tourism Adds Seven Digital Kiosks Throughout the City
The City of Lynchburg‘s Office of Economic Development & Tourism has installed seven digital kiosks located throughout the city to offer information to residents, visitors, businesses and students. The digital kiosks feature visitor information, trail maps, QR Codes to download visitor guides & brochures, and information on upcoming city events and festivals. Funding for the digital kiosks comes in part from the 2020 CARES Act for projects to assist with economic recovery and tourism promotion from the
EPA Awards Third Brownfields Assessment Grant to City
The Economic Development Authority of the City of Lynchburg (EDA) has again been selected to receive $500,000 in assessment grants from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue to assist businesses and property owners to identify, assess and begin redevelopment of brownfields in the City. Funding dedicated to the assessment of sites potentially impacted by hazardous substances and petroleum will be used to conduct Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments, cleanup and redevelopment
IMAGE360 IN LYNCHBURG HONORED WITH SALES PINNACLE AWARD
Local Signage and Graphic Solutions Provider Earns Recognition LYNCHBURG, Va. – Arthur Pike, owner of Image360 in Lynchburg, was recently presented with the Sales Pinnacle award by the Alliance Franchise Brands Network. Presented during the network’s 2022 annual convention, the Sales Pinnacle award recognizes outstanding sales performance in the network of marketing and print services provider. “The core value we were founded upon is putting our customers first, and this achievement personifies this and
8th Annual Back to School Care Fair
Johnson Health Center will celebrate National Health Center Week in August with our Eighth Annual Back to School Care Fair, pledged to address the ever-increasing financial burden of school supplies. This is the eighth year this event been hosted by Johnson Health Center and it has grown steadily over the last seven years. To date we have given out over 3600 book bags. This year's event will be held on Saturday, August 6th from 2pm to 4pm at Lynchburg Women’s and Pediatric Health Services, located at
Central Virginia Community College unveils new logo
See story at The News & Advance...Central Virginia Community College on Wednesday unveiled a new logo and website, at www.centralvirginia.edu.For 56 years, the college has been known to Lynchburg and the surrounding counties by its signature blue and gold colors, which will not change. “This rebranding initiative will aid in the recognition of our identity as a leader in higher education and workforce development,” CVCC President John Capps said in a news release. The college said it wants to elevate its
Commonwealth Games this weekend expected to have multimillion-dollar economic impact in region
See story at The News & Advance...For the seventh year in a row, the Virginia Commonwealth Games are being held this weekend at Liberty University. Each year, the event brings in millions of dollars of economic impact to the region as well as thousands of players, participants and spectators. Charity Waldron, director of operations and media relations for Virginia Amateur Sports, which puts on the Commonwealth Games, said the organization works with the city’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism to
AREA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES WITH EXCELLENT WORKPLACE CULTURE WERE HONORED AT LYNCH
On July 14, 2022, Lynchburg Business magazine had the honor and privilege of recognizing Lynchburg’s Top 20 Under 40 recipients and the Best Places to Work, as voted by our business community. Taking place at City View by the James, it was a night of fun and celebration, with two unique groups coming together to celebrate excellence in business and leadership. Those who were presented with awards brought a crowd of supporters, mentors, and colleagues to cheer them on, which made for an even more festive
'It’s been a ride:' Lynchburg professor continues her work in the community
View story at The News & Advance...When Ghislaine Lewis first got word she would be the first director for the Pierce Street Gateway, she said she was excited to help the nonprofit. Lewis, who is associate professor of communication studies and co-chair of the Africana Studies Program at the University of Lynchburg, is looking forward to working with the group that aims to make a difference not only in the Pierce Street Community, but in the wider Lynchburg community as well. “We want to make sure that
Tailgate Town Coming to Williams Stadium this Fall
View story at Liberty Flames...A new offering at Liberty Football games this fall will give fans the opportunity to enjoy one of the best aspects of college football without the hassle – tailgating. Located just outside the gates of Williams Stadium, Tailgate Town will offer fans a unique opportunity to tailgate and enjoy pregame festivities without the headache of setting up or the hassle of tearing down. Season packages and single-game options are available for fans to select a small, medium or large
Local makerspace receives $300K for expansion of building, programming
See story at The News & Advance...Last week, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced more than $10.2 million in Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) grants, and a portion of that money is making its way to Lynchburg’s Vector Space to help expand workforce development programs for the underserved. Part of the Go Virginia funds — $324,000 — will go to Vector Space, a makerspace located at 402 5th St., to facilitate the implementation of expanded programming and equipment centered around workforce
McGuireWoods Lawyers Write Chapter for GIR’s “The Guide to Sanctions”
McGuireWoods partners Alex Brackett, Patrick Rowan, Jason Cowley, Laura Colombell Marshall and Edwin Childs and associate Elissa Baur contributed to Global Investigations Review’s publication “The Guide to Sanctions ─ Third Edition.” The lawyers wrote the chapter titled “Impacts of Sanctions and Export Controls on Supply Chains,” published July 8, 2022. The updated edition — which expands upon the chapter that Brackett, Rowan and Cowley penned last year for the guide — cited as a key example the
Christopher Michalik Named a “Go To Lawyer” in Employment Law by Virginia Lawyers Weekly
Virginia Lawyers Weekly honored McGuireWoods partner Christopher Michalik as one of its 2022 “Go To Lawyers in Employment Law.” Honorees — selected for their track record of client successes and command of case law, statutes and regulations clients encounter — were profiled in a special section published June 27, 2022. Based in Richmond, Michalik has a national practice that touches all aspects of labor and employment law, including traditional labor representation, wage and hour class and collective
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
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,
'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,
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
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
