Happy New Year!
2021 certainly had its trials, but overall as a community we have been very fortunate to weather the many storms and see some great progress taking place throughout our city. There seems to be a sense of optimistic urgency in the air, and for good reason - the pace of change will only continue to increase as we look into this new year.
This is also a moment to reflect on the work we do at RDA. While our efforts historically have been focused in the downtown area, it is important to remember that the time and funding that goes to improve the downtown district is ultimately to benefit all of the residents throughout our city. By improving the historic heart and soul of our community one block at a time, it attracts more private investment into downtown and allows for more business to open in close proximity. This leads to more activities that draw visitors and eventually creates the vibrancy necessary to become a destination location - all things that add additional revenue for the municipality. And that is the most important point - these additional funds are utilized to fund public services, safety, and education for all residents in Danville, not just in the downtown.
The work we do at RDA to create a place where people want to be also contributes to a higher quality of life. This is very important if we are to continue attracting the workforce that we will need for the many new jobs being created in our region. I have talked to many young people that moved away from Danville after high school, only to find themselves drawn back to the community because of the energy around the transformation that is taking place.
While our organization is honored to be one of the leaders in redeveloping our downtown and re-imagining our community, it is only because of collaboration with all of YOU that this effort is successful. As some very wise minds have observed, you can bring all kinds of resources, programs, and services to people, but it only works if the people themselves engage. We are thankful that this community engages in so many ways, every single day. It is true that we don't always agree, but despite our differences we still take care of one another - and THAT is what makes Danville an All-American City - the people that live, work, play, and invest in it each day.
In Gratitude,
Diana Schwartz, Executive Director
River District Association
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RDA Board President Kelvin Perry, and Board Secretary Christy Harper congratulate this year's RDA Holiday Window Decorating Contest winners. |
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People's Choice:
Amburn and Company Salon
Owner: Jerry Amburn
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Judge's Choice:
The Brick
Owner: Adam Jones
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Thank you for coming to Christmas on the Plaza this year! |
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Happy New Year! HOME for the Holidays Edition |
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Did you watch this year's HOME for the Holidays series? We'd love to know what you thought! |
And a big thank you to Lucia Video for creating this wonderful holiday and community celebration.
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RDA's Communications and Events Manager earns a Certificate of Nonprofit Management from Duke University |
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Kirsten Aherron completed the 9 month course, offered locally with the support of the Danville Regional Foundation, in December 2021. Congratulations! |
The Danville Regional Foundation offers this educational opportunity yearly to local nonprofit leaders in Caswell County, Danville City, and Pittsylvania County. Visit their website for more information about this great local resource. |
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Registration is open for the 2022 cohort of the River District Association Dream Launch Bootcamp.
The RDA Dream Launch Bootcamp is for entrepreneurs who wish to learn more about opening, owning, and operating a business in the Dan River Region; the Bootcamp is also open to current businesses that would like to expand as well as those that would like to audit the courses to prepare for potentially opening a business in the future. There is no cost to participate.
RDA Dream Launch Bootcamp registration is open until January 14th. The six Bootcamp sessions are on Tuesdays, starting January 25th, from 6-8 pm via Zoom.
Thank you to this year's supporters of the Dream Launch Program: Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Virginia Community Business Launch, The City of Danville, The Dan River Region Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, American National Bank, Movement Bank, Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce, The Launch Place, Longwood Small Business Development Center.
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In 2022 Mornings on Main will be moved to the 4th Monday of each month, at 10 am.
Up next...
January 24th - 10 am - VIRTUAL ONLY
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Please note: We will be deciding on a month by month basis whether to have in person or virtual meetings.
Mark your Calendars
February 28th -
Guest Speakers: Barbara Fiedor (Assistant Director of Economic Development and Tourism), Lisa Merriweather (Tourism Director)
March 28th -
Guest Speaker: Amanda Paez (Chief Equity Officer, City of Danville)
April 25th
May 23rd
June 27th
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River District Announcements and Promotions |
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Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Danville Area is looking for mentor volunteers. |
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Covid-19 Testing Event at the Danville Farmer's Market |
Address: 629 Craghead Street, Danville, VA 24541
Next scheduled testing event:
Tuesday, January 18th, 3pm-5pm
Free
Open to the Public
PCR Tests
Results in 1-3 Days
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Community Foundation of the Dan River Region - Scholarship Applications Opening January 1, 2022 |
The Community Foundation scholarship application cycle opens Saturday, January 1, 2022. Currently, The Community Foundation administers 59 separate endowed scholarship funds totaling over $7 million. Established by individuals or organizations, these funds help area students achieve their academic and career-oriented goals. For a complete list of our scholarships, please click here.
Scholarships may have specific guidelines, such as high school or college attended, merit, need, or field of study. This application cycle will close on March 1, 2022. Please click here for a list of frequently asked questions about the scholarship process. Contact Krystal Davis, Grant & Scholarship Administrator, at krystal@cfdrr.org.
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Funky's Arcade Bar is now open in the River District! |
Funky's Arcade Bar is Danville Virginia premier Sports Bar and Arcade combination. They offer full bar service along with outstanding Craft Beer and Food selections. They also have a 12 Tap Self-Pour Beer Wall.
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New Year, New Headshot event at Fashion Haus Studio - 525 Lynn Street, suite #107-
January 29th, 2022
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Cost of $50
20 minute sessions
2 edited images
Time slots begin at 10 am
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River District Design is moving to 134 Watson Street. |
We will miss them in the River District, but wish them the best of luck in their new location!
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River District Event Calendar |
Visit the River District Event Calendar to keep up with everything happening in the River District.
Visit the calendar to find community events, art classes, live music shows, and more...
(RDA may still make decisions about which events can be included in the calendar - thank you for understanding!)
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Job Openings in the River District |
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Infinity Global has multiple positions open. Learn more HERE.
Averett University has several staff openings. More information HERE.
Life Push LLC has openings for Holistic Youth and Family Advisors. More information HERE.
Me's Burgers and Brews is hiring: More information on their website.
The Danville Family YMCA is hiring for multiple positions. Stop by in person to apply, or visit their website for more information.
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Download the River District App: Distrx |
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The River District App: Distrx is a great way to find dining, retails, and services in the River District. |
Also, take a walking tour, participate in upcoming "apptivities" or check out the River District event calendar to see what's happening.
Thank you for enjoying the River District!
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What is the River District Association? |
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Do you want to be a part of a thriving River District? RDA takes Board of Directors applications all year long. Fill out an interest form to be considered for the next board opening!
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Mission:
RDA's mission is to ensure the long term viability of Danville's River District as a center of business and civic life, and a source of community pride.
Vision:
Danville's River District will be a vibrant place to live, work, and visit for the diverse population of Danville and the greater Dan River region.
Board of Directors:
Kelvin Perry
CoD Economic Development
President
Steven Osborne
International Mission Board
Vice President
Stuart Smith
FCS, Inc
Treasurer
Christy Harper
Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce
Secretary
William Crumpton
Compassion Healthcare
Immediate Past-President
Rachel Covington
Hawthorne and Jade Design Co. LLC
Robin Jones
Vintages by the Dan
Varun Sadana
The Launch Place
Drew Herring
West Main Baptist Church
Emma Sellers
Averett University
Shani Gaylord
PATHS, Inc.
Dr. Andrew Hessler
Danville Dental Associates
Kunal Patel
First National Bank
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Who We Are
The River District Association (RDA) is comprised of a volunteer Board of Directors which includes representatives from River District businesses and property owners, the City of Danville, and other community stakeholders.
What We Do
RDA follows the Main Street model to coordinate the public-private partnerships required to revive the River District. We work with the City of Danville, area businesses, and institutions to develop programs and events to get the community working together to market the area's unique assets, to get the district in top physical shape, and to attract and retain businesses.
Why We Do It
As our City Council and City Manager have publicly stated, the economic health of the city is impacted by the River District. A downtown with empty buildings and blight conveys a negative image. A prosperous downtown tells the world that the business sector can work well with the City to bring about positive change. With a number of development projects taking place, the River District has reclaimed its role as a vital, important and pleasant place to work, shop, and have fun.
What You Can Do
We need YOU! Would like to play an active role in the revival of the River District? Do you have any special ideas or talents, or simply want to volunteer with a project, please contact us by phone at 434-791-0210 or by email. One of our dedicated volunteer board members will respond.
River District Association Staff
Diana Schwartz: Executive Director
Kirsten Aherron: Communication and Events Manager
Will Mackaman: Programs and Services Manager
Alyssa Turner: Bookkeeper and Office Manager
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River District Association | www.riverdistrictassociation.com
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