Member News
Lynchburg Police Foundation fundraising for honor garden at new headquarters
See story at The News & Advance...The Lynchburg Police Department’s new headquarters has been slowly taking shape at the corner of Albert Lankford Drive and Odd Fellows Road and is estimated to be completed by February 2025. An approximately 95,000-square-foot, three-story building, the headquarters will bring all department employees under the same roof for the first time, fostering greater communication and efficiency, Police Chief Ryan Zuidema said. Zuidema spoke at a news conference last week to
Patrick Henry’s Red Hill Announces Access Program for Low-Income Families
Brookneal—Today Patrick Henry’s Red Hill announced that it has joined Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), to encourage people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits. The program supports those receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits visiting Red Hill for a minimal fee of $2.00 per person, up to four people, with the presentation of a
Sweet Briar names its next president
View story at The News & Advance...Sweet Briar College announced in a news release Thursday that Interim President Mary Pope Maybank Hutson has been named the school’s 14th president. The Sweet Briar Board of Directors unanimously selected Hutson as the college’s next leader following a national search that began in March, the college said in a release. Board Chair Mason Rummel said in a statement the search was a “meticulous and thorough process” led by a group of stakeholder representatives and with
'They should not go without Christmas:' Elves for Elders program brings Christmas to seniors across Central Virginia
See story at WSET...You've probably seen angel trees where you can buy Christmas gifts for kids who need them, but here in Central Virginia, there are also trees for the elderly community. The Central Virginia Alliance for Community Living is running its Elves for Elders program, where people can purchase gifts for nearly 500 elders across the area.Elders in the program create a list of things they want, like comforters, robes, and towels, and those wishes are placed on tags. Those tags can be found on
City of Lynchburg Receives Sixth Place in Population Category for 2023 Digital Cities Survey
The Center for Digital Government (CDG) has announced the winners of the 23rd annual Digital Cities Survey, recognizing cities utilizing technology to strengthen cybersecurity, enhance transparency, digital privacy rights, and digital equity, and those finding innovative ways to support solutions for social challenges facing cities today. The top 10-ranking cities in each of five population categories were recently honored during the Digital Cities Awards event in Atlanta, Georgia. “The Digital Cities
Town Hall Meeting Scheduled for the College Lake Dam Removal Project (Dec. 6)
Lynchburg Water Resources (LWR) and the University of Lynchburg have announced the College Lake Dam Removal Project will begin in early January 2024. After many years of planning, the removal of the high-hazard dam is set to start as the construction of the new bridge and roundabout have now been completed. English Construction has been awarded the project with Resource Environmental Solutions, LLC as the stream restoration team. The removal of College Lake Dam is a long-awaited project that will
Gleaning to collect supplies for Distribution in Central Virginia
As the holiday season is upon us, food insecurity is on the rise. Did you know? …In Virginia, there are over 700,000 people facing hunger, including over 150,000 children? In response to ongoing needs facing our local community, Gleaning For The World will be collecting supplies for residents of Central Virginia needing a hand up during this holiday season. A collection for nonperishable foods, hygiene supplies, and winter wear such as warm gloves, socks, and blankets will be held in front of Sam’s
James Porter Joins Freedom First Mortgage Team in Lynchburg
Freedom First Credit Union is excited to welcome James Porter to our Lynchburg Mortgage team as a Vice President Mortgage Loan Officer. James brings 15 years of banking experience with him including roles in retail lending, business banking, commercial banking, and more. His diversity of industry experience gives him a unique ability to assist his mortgage clients because he understands the overall financial picture involved in such a large and important purchase. Although originally from Ontario, Canada,
Local legislatures preview some of their plans ahead of the 2024 General Assembly
See story at The News &Advance...With the General Assembly convening a little more than a month away, the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance hosted “Policy & Pancakes” on Wednesday as a look ahead to the 2024 session. Legislators representing the area had the opportunity to provide their viewpoint on the upcoming session and give a summary of different areas they will work closely on. About 80 people — some university staff, local legislators and city officials — filed into the Liberty University
Wolfbane is Coming to Downtown Lynchburg Bringing Immersive, Award-Winning Theatre to Jefferson Street
Nationally recognized for its award-winning immersive entertainment, Wolfbane Productions is expanding into downtown Lynchburg in the fall of 2024. With the assistance of the Downtown Lynchburg Association’s Launch LYH Program and West on Main, Wolfbane will turn 723 Jefferson Street (previously the Coca-Cola Building) into an 11,000+ sq. ft. entertainment venue that can host up to 300+ patrons, while preserving the original architecture of the historic building. Entering its 17th season of
First National Bank announces a Customer Appreciation Day celebrating their 115th Anniversary.
Altavista, VA, November 28, 2023 - First National Bank (the “Bank”), celebrating 115 years as a community bank, is hosting a Customer Appreciation Day on Friday, December 15th, 2023. All 18 branches of First National Bank will have birthday cake available to customers from 9:00am to 5:00pm. First National Bank was founded in Altavista on December 17th, 1908. Since then, the Bank has grown to nearly 200 employees serving market areas consisting of the Counties of Amherst, Bedford, Campbell and Pittsylvania,
Bedford Avenue prepares for first annual Christmas Crawl, part of street to be closed
See story at The News & Advance... Christmas is coming to the newly revitalized Bedford Avenue on Dec. 1, with a Christmas Crawl that has been organized by Freedom 4/24 and supported by other local businesses on the street. The event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. as participating stores, restaurants and businesses come together for a street party. The road will be closed from the 7-Eleven area down to the Dahlia and Truss complex, creating a pedestrian-friendly zone, Lauren McQuillan, events and education
Give your TIME at Gleaning For The World on Giving Tuesday during Volunteer Open House
Giving Tuesday is an international holiday in which, traditionally, the public is invited to donate financially to nonprofits they support. This year, Gleaning For The World, a Concord-based nonprofit is offering a unique way to give on Giving Tuesday. They’re asking supporters to give their time! While financial donations are always appreciated, the ultimate goal for Gleaning For The World on this day of giving is to invite supporters to give of their time through volunteering in the nonprofit’s
Christmas Open House
It’s the time of year when people give good cheer. It’s the holidays and we want you here! Please join us on Sunday, December 3 as we welcome you to our annual Christmas Open House at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill from 1:30pm to 4:00pm.The day will consist of docent-guided tours of the historic buildings, including Patrick Henry’s house, law office, Quarter Place cabin exhibition, and other buildings, all decorated for the holidays. Complimentary hot mulled cider and homemade cookies will be available throughout
Downtown Lynchburg Association to host Inaugural Bright Nights Festival this Sunday, November 19
Kick off the holiday season this weekend at Downtown Lynchburg Association’s Bright Nights Festival on Sunday, November 19 from 4-8pm. This free, family-friendly event will include a tree-lighting ceremony (beginning at 6pm), live entertainment, food trucks, artisan vendors, and many fun activities along the Bluffwalk and on Commerce Street. Highlighted features of the Bright Nights Festival include:Craddock Terry Tree Lighting (6pm)Over 40 Artisan VendorsWhoville SquareTrackless TrainMultiple Snow
Alisha Childress Joins Freedom First Community Development Team in Lynchburg
November 15, 2023 (Roanoke, VA) — Freedom First Credit Union is excited to welcome Alisha Childress as the Community Development Coordinator in Lynchburg. Alisha will be working to build partnerships with community organizations and leaders to bring Freedom First’s resources to the Greater Lynchburg community and maximize the impact. Alisha worked 6 years in non-profit management and has over 20 years of combined experience in university administration, emergency management, and business continuity.
Attorney General visits Lynchburg, discusses various hot button topics
View story at The News & Advance...Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares visited with area business leaders and lawyers to discuss gang violence, police shortages, fentanyl overdoses and immigration at a roundtable discussion at the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance on Thursday. Miyares pointed out 50% of Americans do not know their neighbors’ names, and he highlighted the alarming rise in drug overdose deaths in the U.S. He criticized the notion that good intentions alone guarantee positive outcomes
Lynchburg Center to lift entrepreneurs
See story at Virginia Business... Months before its opening in late summer or early fall, Lynchburg’s new Center for Entrepreneurship already has gathered about 15 applications from local business owners and professionals seeking to mentor those launching or looking to grow their own companies. That’s a positive sign, says Stephanie Keener, executive director of the Lynchburg region’s Small Business Development Center. In April, she also became director of the hub, which will provide a central location to
Local businesses talk about energy plans
View story at The News & Advance...The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance hosted its quarterly Business at Breakfast event Thursday morning, bringing in local energy panelists to discuss Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s 2022 Virginia Energy Plan and the region’s role in its implementation. The Lynchburg region is home to two of the world’s largest nuclear companies, BWXT and Framatome, as well as a major manufacturer of industrial power, Delta Star. The 2022 Virginia Energy Plan calls for a nuclear
Delta Star Inc. to Expand Operations in the Lynchburg Region
Lynchburg, VA – Today, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that Delta Star Inc. would expand its operations in the Lynchburg region, adding more than 149 new jobs and $30.2 million in capital investment to our region. Delta Star, a local manufacturer of power equipment such as transformers and substations, will expand its manufacturing and headquarters operation to service its mobile transformers and increase production capacity by adding on to its existing Delta Star East facility in Lynchburg and Field
Two Lynchburg-area business orgs receive grant to build Center for Entrepreneurship
See story at The News & Advance...Two Lynchburg-area business organizations are preparing to set up a new Center for Entrepreneurship that will allow budding and veteran entrepreneurs to get support from seasoned mentors and build community connections. Entrepreneurs at the future Center for Entrepreneurship will benefit from a connection between the Small Business Development Center – Lynchburg Region, which are housed in the same building at 300 Lucado Pl., for free and confidential advising and coaching
Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance Awarded Funds to Develop the Center for Entrepreneurship
Today, Go Virginia Region 2 awarded $240,192 to the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance to stand up the Center for Entrepreneurship. The Center for Entrepreneurship (C.Entr) is a new program that will bring regional entrepreneurial support under one roof at the Alliance’s facility at 300 Lucado Place in Downtown Lynchburg. In addition to Go Virginia Region 2 funds, $187,035 of matching funds have been provided by participating localities: Amherst, Bedford, and Campbell Counties, the City of Lynchburg, and
'Resilience:' Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance celebrates 140 yrs. with annual meeting
See story at ABC13...LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance celebrates 140 years this week. The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance is the region’s oldest and largest business and professional association – serving the Lynchburg region since 1883. Over the years things change but their mission stays the same — to bring business leaders together to advance our region and advocate for all of you in our community. According to the LBA website, "The Alliance serves as the united
Lynchburg area needs more industrial sites
View story at Virginia Business....The lack of pad-ready sites and industrial spec buildings in the Lynchburg region is the major reason the area has missed 65 economic development opportunities that could have brought as many as 12,000 jobs and $5.5 billion in investments during the past six years, says Megan Lucas, CEO and chief economic development officer for the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance. “If you don’t have what they need, they move on,” Lucas says. “This issue isn’t only a Lynchburg
Best Practices for Businesses to Follow When Managing Business Contracts
A well-written contract not only protects your business from dispute-related liabilities, but is the best tool for holding all parties accountable and ensuring that the mutually agreed expectations are met. While in some cases verbal contracts can be enforced, as a business owner, you should always push for written contracts. In this article, the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance explores the best practices to follow for negotiating and creating business contracts. The Need for Contracts Before we
CVTC property's bonds paid, clearing way for redevelopment
View story at The News & Advance...The outstanding bonds on the state-owned Central Virginia Training Center property are paid off as of Wednesday. The debt on the CVTC site in Madison Heights, a medical facility with more than a century of history that shuttered in 2020, was paid off using $25 million in state general funds Sen. Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg, secured during this year's General Assembly session. Newman earlier this year indicated his hope the bonds would be settled through a defeasement
Lynchburg-area legislators discuss politics over pancakes ahead of General Assembly session
View story at the News & Advance...Less than a month before the Virginia General Assembly convenes for its 2023 session, Lynchburg-area state legislators gathered with members of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance to discuss politics over breakfast. Sen. Steve Newman, Sen. Mark Peake and Del. Wendell Walker spoke at the annual Pancakes & Politics Legislative Outlook Breakfast, hosted by Liberty University’s Center for Law and Government on Tuesday, offering a preview of what Lynchburg businesses and
Economist: Lynchburg is growing more than official data suggests
See Full story at The News & Advance...The head of a Richmond-based economic research firm told Lynchburg business leaders recently that while nationally, a recession appears likely next year, Lynchburg in the meantime is seeing more growth than official data would suggest. Chris Chmura, CEO and Chief Economist for Chmura Analytics — a quantitative research and economic development and workforce consulting firm located in Richmond — spoke Thursday at the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance about what
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
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
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
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
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
