Blackstone Chamber Newsletter - October 19, 2024

Local Business Spotlight

Alvis Landscaping


By Sheldon Smith, Blackstone Chamber of Commerce


BLACKSTONE, Va. — The Blackstone Chamber of Commerce is proud to shine its Chamber Member Spotlight on Alvis Landscaping, a local veteran-owned business dedicated to providing top-quality lawn care and landscaping services for the community.


Owned and operated by Army veteran Andrew Alvis, Alvis Landscaping has built a solid reputation for delivering reliable, affordable landscaping solutions. As we transition into the fall season, Alvis Landscaping is ready to assist with Fall Clean-Up services, clearing leaves, debris, and other seasonal challenges to keep your property looking its best.


Read the full article on Alvis Landscaping.

Chamber Events

November Networking Luncheon


Join us for the next Blackstone Chamber Networking Luncheon—a fantastic opportunity to meet local business owners, share ideas, and learn from one another in a relaxed setting.


  • When: November 13 at 12 p.m.
  • Where: Blackstone Volunteer Fire Department
  • Speaker: Lolita Smith, Smith-Hairston Travel
  • Topic: Connecting our Community through Travel
  • Cost: $15 per person


Learn more and register.

Richland's Dairy Fall Festival


Richlands Dairy Farm in Blackstone, VA, invites Nottoway County residents to its October Fall Festival for a fun-filled celebration of the season.


Every Saturday and Sunday from 11am - 5pm, visitors can enjoy a variety of fall activities, including a Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze, hayrides, and more. With seasonal treats and photo opportunities, it’s the perfect place for families to make lasting autumn memories. Don’t miss out on this festive event at Richlands Dairy Farm!


Learn more!

Nottoway Sheriff's Office to Host 3rd Annual Battle of the Badges Charity Softball Tournament


The Nottoway County Sheriff's Office will host the 3rd Annual Battle of the Badges Charity Softball Tournament on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Wrigglesworth Stadium, located at Birch and S. Harris streets in Blackstone, Virginia.


The event will feature a full day of activities for all ages, including raffles, food, bounce houses, trunk-or-treat, face painting, and more. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes to add to the festive atmosphere. The event is cash only.


All proceeds will benefit local children during the upcoming Christmas season, helping to ensure they receive gifts and support during the holidays.


Event Details:

  • Date: Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024
  • Time: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Location: Wrigglesworth Stadium, Birch & S. Harris St., Blackstone
  • Highlights:
  • Raffles
  • Food vendors
  • Bounce houses
  • Trunk-or-Treat
  • Face painting
  • Costume contest


The Nottoway Sheriff’s Office expresses its gratitude to donors and the community for their continued support, which ensures the success of this event and helps bring joy to children in need during the Christmas season.


For more information, visit the Nottoway Sheriff's Office website or social media pages.

IRS & SBA Fall Webinar Series

Join the IRS and the SBA Virginia District Office this fall for a series of FREE 1-hour virtual workshops designed to help small businesses thrive. These online sessions will be packed with valuable insights into market research, sales strategies, social media, tax preparation, and more! Whether you're launching a new venture or looking to improve your current business, this is your chance to learn from the experts.


Event Schedule:


These webinars will be held on Microsoft Teams, so make sure to log in at least five minutes early. Note that these events will not be recorded, but there will be a live Q&A session at the end of each workshop. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain practical knowledge for your business!


Register Today!


Use the links provided for each session to secure your spot.



For more information and to register, visit the event links. Stay connected with us for future updates!

Check Our News & Events Page

BVFD to Conduct Pre-Plan Walkthroughs for Local Establishments: Ensuring Safety and Emergency Preparedness


The Blackstone Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) will be conducting a comprehensive review and development of Pre-Plans for local establishments. These plans are essential for identifying safety concerns and hazards, as well as understanding the general layout of your facility. Please note that this is not an inspection, as our department is not authorized to conduct inspections. However, these visits and plans are vital for establishing effective action strategies in the event of a fire or other emergencies.


We will be reaching out to each business by phone to schedule a time for a representative to conduct these walkthroughs, gather necessary data, and foster a collaborative relationship. This project is set to commence in December 2024.


During the walkthroughs, we may inquire about the following:

  • Primary and secondary contact information for your establishment
  • Fire alarm company contact details
  • Any existing hazards within the premises
  • Hours of operation and occupancy levels
  • A layout drawing of your establishment
  • Knox Box information, if applicable


We assure you that all collected information will be securely stored in our database. Access to this information will be strictly limited to training purposes and in response to emergencies involving your establishment.


We appreciate your support and cooperation in this important initiative. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact BVFD for further clarification.


Blackstone Volunteer Fire Department Open House, Oct. 6

Thriving Together


In times of economic uncertainty, small businesses often face unique challenges—especially in small towns. However, these moments also present an opportunity to come together, pool resources, and leverage community support.


At Sandbank Group, Inc., we believe that collaboration and cohesion among local businesses can be the key to not just surviving but thriving in tough times. Here are some practical strategies for small businesses to support one another and build resilience, along with ways residents can contribute to the success of their local economy.


Read the full blog post.

Volunteer Service Project: Sacred Heart Memorial Gardens Restoration


A community workday is scheduled for October 5 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart Memorial Gardens on Gills Bridge Road in Dinwiddie County, near Fort Barfoot. Volunteers will help clear downed trees, clean grave sites, and remove debris.


Participants should wear heavy clothing, gloves, and hats, and bring their own tools. Food and drinks will be provided.


For more details, contact Bruce Robinson at 434-917-0061 or Diane Christopher at 410-318-9735​

The Blackstone Chamber of Commerce Newsletter is a bimonthly publication designed to keep our community informed and engaged.


If you have articles or information that you would like to be considered for inclusion in the newsletter, please submit them to our Local Business Spotlight page. We welcome contributions that highlight local businesses, events, and initiatives that are making a positive impact in our community. Submitting text and images is most helpful. Flyers and other PDF or image files with text require additional processing.

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