February 2023
CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS
Member News is a monthly newsletter that provides news about Chamber members.
AVERETT UNIVERSITY
Averett Announces Addition of Men's Volleyball; Earls Named Head Coach

Averett University announced Wednesday the addition of varsity men’s volleyball, which will begin competition during the 2023-24 academic year. Averett also announced the men’s volleyball program will be coached by current women’s volleyball head coach Olivia Earls, who will serve as the head coach for both programs.

Averett Ascending campaign leaders Dr. Richard “Dick” and Jean Wright, have provided a major gift for start-up funding for the program. Dick is a former Averett Trustee, and they are longtime and gracious benefactors of the University.

The addition of men’s volleyball is an excellent opportunity to build upon Averett’s strong tradition and impact on students’ lives through intercollegiate athletics, while offering a sport that has been rapidly growing across Division III.
DANVILLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
DCC Welcomes New Vice President of Workforce Services
 
Danville Community College (DCC) welcomed their new Vice President of Workforce Services, Mark Funkey.
Born in Nebraska and raised in New Mexico, Mark Funkey obtained his Bachelor of Science from Bellevue University in 2003; his Master of Arts in Management from Doane University in 2013; and he expects to graduate with a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from Doane University in May of this year.

Mark is excited to get started in the role of Vice President of Workforce Services, The experience he has gained in building programs and relationships over the past decades has afforded him a strong skillset that he will bring to this role. Mark hopes that he can add a positive attitude and growth mindset to support the work already in progress at DCC and in the community college service area. Mark is a people and relationship-oriented person. He hopes to strengthen current relationships and to add additional partnerships to support growth and innovation at DCC.
SOVAH HEALTH
Sovah Health announces $20 million renovation project for Danville ER
Construction is estimated to begin later this year

Sovah Health announced the approval for $20 million in renovations for its Danville Emergency Room. The project is expected to take roughly 12 to 18 months to complete, and construction is estimated to begin later this year.

Sovah Health officials say relocation of the emergency department will be the first step in the process, to ensure the continuation of emergency care for the community.
Renovations to the emergency room will include a 7000-square-foot expansion and an improved waiting area. There will also be a renovation to existing rooms and the addition of six multifunctional rooms.

The ER will get a new patient monitoring system and a replacement of a radiology exam room, and the he ambulance bay will be relocated for easier transportation of patients.
DEWBERRY
DAN PLEASANT HONORED WITH NC STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI AWARD AND HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

Dewberry’s former chief operating officer recognized for contributions to profession, community, and university.

Pleasant received a Distinguished Alumni Award alongside two of his fellow College of Engineering alumni and 10 other NC State University graduates. This award was presented during the annual Evening of Stars gala, which takes places during the university's Red and White Week. The gala honors the alumni whose successes increase the value of an NC State degree and add to the university’s growing legacy of excellence, impact and service.

Pleasant was nominated by the College of Engineering’s department faculty and staff.
Pleasant was inducted alongside four other department graduates to the CCEE hall of fame, which was established to “inspire current students and alumni, and to celebrate the accomplishments of those extraordinary graduates who have used their education to excel in a profession, career or service.”
FIRST CITIZENS BANK CHATHAM: BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
You're invited to First Citizens Bank of Chatham's upcoming Business After Hours. This event will be held on Thursday, February 16 at 5:30pm. Food and beverages will be provided, and registration is required.

Business After Hours are designed to provide a networking opportunity for members to make new business contacts in a relaxed social setting. There is no cost for Chamber members – It’s included in your membership. For future chamber members the fee is $5.
SAVE THE DATE: CROATIA INFORMATION SESSION
If you are interested in traveling internationally, join us to learn more about upcoming travel to Croatia. Croatia is located in southeast Europe and is geographically diverse. The crescent-shaped country features low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline, flat plains that hug the Hungarian border, and a multitude of islands.

Information Session will be held Tuesday, February 28, 6pm at Danville Community College Foundation Hall located at 1008 S Main Street Danville (Building on the corner intersection of Kemper Rd and S Main Street)

Registration for this information session will open this Friday, February 10 at www.dpchamber.org.
DANVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
RACIAL EQUITY INSTITUTE: GROUNDWATER TRAINING
Groundwater Training
Led by the Racial Equity Institute

Tuesday February 21- 9am- 2pm

The groundwater metaphor is designed to help practitioners at all levels internalize the reality that we live in a racially structured society, and that is what causes racial inequity. With this in mind, the groundwater metaphor shifts the focus away from the view of racism as personal bigotry and bias and to a historical, cultural, and structural analysis of racism. Participants will leave the training with an understanding of how systems produce unjust and inequitable outcomes, and will thus be better prepared to work for change. The groundwater metaphor is based on three observations:

  1. Racial inequity looks the same across systems
  2. Socio-economic difference does not explain racial inequity
  3. Inequities are caused by systems, regardless of people’s culture or behavior

This workshop will consist of a beginning informational session and a subsequent discussion session. Lunch will be provided.
Join us to collectively work for change by participating with us. All are welcome.

This event is a collaboration between the Dan River Region Health Collaborative's Health Equity Task Force, the Dan River Nonprofit Network, the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Southside, and the Center for Community Engagement and Career Competitiveness.
DANVILLE REDEVELOPMENT & HOUSING AUTHORITY
CAESARS VIRGINIA
Caesars Virginia to roll out Dealer Trainee Academy.

Calling all candidates! Join the Empire and be a part of the largest gaming company in the United States.

Caesars Virginia will be offering a free 12-week program for candidates to learn how to become table games professionals. They will be running multiple training times to provide flexibility for those who maybe currently working or in school.

No experience required, just come with a great personality and they will teach you the rest. At the end of the training program, successful students will be eligible for both Part-Time and Full-Time opportunities as a Table Games Dealers and Supervisor.

Apply at the link below and a member from the HR team will connect with you to schedule a time to come in and learn more information about the program.
DANVILE CONCERT ASSOCIATION
Czech National Symphony Orchestra
Monday, February 13, 2023 7:30 p.m.
GWHS Auditorium, 701 Broad Street
 
Performing and continuously growing for 26 years, the CNSO has earned an enviable reputation among both Czech and Europe’s top symphonic ensembles. Renowned for its versatility, the orchestra annually presents a broad program ranging from classical music concerts to contemporary genres, film scoresjazz and musicals.
 
The Concerto Budapest Symphony Orchestra canceled its entire spring USA tour, thus canceling their scheduled January 20th Danville performance. Your Concerto Budapest ticket will be valid and provide entry on February 13th.
 
Rhythm India: Bollywood and Beyond
Friday, March 24, 2023 7:30 p.m.
GWHS Auditorium, 701 Broad Street
age to screen worldwide.

Experience the vibrant costumes, dynamic music, and soulful rhythms of the ghungroo dancing bells from the echoing heartbeats of royal palaces and sacred temples to the swaying voices of desert villages and modern stages. Created by World Choreography Award Nominee and Telly Award Winning Director and Choreographer Joya Kazi, the performance features the Joya Kazi Unlimited dancers as seen on screens from Bollywood to Hollywood.

Originally scheduled on this date was Taj Express, Bollywood Jukebox from Mumbai, India. The DCA was notified in December that Taj Express was canceling because performers could not obtain visas in time to travel to the United States. Your Taj Express ticket will be valid and provide entry on March 24.
 
SMOKESTACK THEATRE COMPANY: TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
Smokestack Theatre Company Presents: To Kill a Mockingbird

Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird opens in a sleepy Alabama town in the midst of the Great Depression, where Scout and her brother, Jem, live with their widowed father, Atticus Finch. Reminiscent of a bygone era, the play immerses us in a simpler time as the children play outside in the summer, act out stories and muse about their mysterious neighbor, Boo Radley. The façade of the seemingly peaceful town begins to crack when a young black man is accused of a terrible crime. Driven by an unshakeable moral conviction, local lawyer Atticus defends the man in a trial that sends violent waves through the community. Timeless and lingering, this hard-hitting work explores prejudice, compassion and the courage to do what is right.

Season tickets available at: www.thesmokestack.org/main-stage

This show is presented by our season sponsor, Danville Toyota. Additional support from The Hughes Center, Showcase Magazine, and Evince Magazine.
SACRED HEART SCHOOL: DENIM & DIAMONDS AUCTION
BERRY HILL RESORT: CASINO NIGHT
Are you feeling lucky?

Join us for a night of games, food, fun, and drinks! Test your luck as we transform our Grand Ballroom and conference Center into a Vegas style casino with tables, casino chips, and attendants. Games will include Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Texas Hold Em’, Beat the Dealer, Red Dog, A Night at the Races, and more!

This 21 and over event is black tie optional, with a cash bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres. At the end of the evening, enter your winnings into prize drawings and win great prizes!

Deluxe queen accommodations are included in the package price.

To purchase tickets, contact Berry Hill Resort at 434-517-7000 or visit the hotel front desk.

We’re betting you’ll have a great time!
URW COMMUNITY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
CHARLES ANDERSON LAWN CARE SERVICE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS
Charles Anderson Lawn Care Service, Inc. is Celebrating 40 Years of Business

40 years of beautifying our community through services like Hardscaping, Drainage, Lighting, Irrigation, Turf Management, Landscaping, Leaf & Snow Removal, and much more!

Charles Anderson Lawn Care Service, Inc. provides professional, quality, full service lawn and landscaping management services with 40 years of proven experience.
We are proud to have this business as a member of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce since 2013.

Charles Anderson Lawn Care would like to thank their loyal customers and great employees for making the company as successful as it has been over the last 40 years. They are looking forward to another 40 years of serving their customers and community.

Charles Anderson Lawn Care is also currently seeking to hire professionals looking for a career in the Green Industry. Stop by their office located at 2231 James D. Hagood Highway, Halifax, Virginia and pick up an application or apply on-line at www.charlesandersonlawncare.com.

Be sure to follow them on Facebook at Charles Anderson Lawn Care Service, Inc.
RIDE SOLUTIONS: WORKPLACE PARTNER PROGRAM
Are you an employer facing staffing challenges due to lack of transportation? We've got the solution!

Ride Solutions is working with local industries through a Workplace Partnership Program to provide solutions to the transportation barriers that some of our local citizens are facing. Contact Joe Bonanno at (276) 638-3987 or [email protected] for more information.
DANVILLE-PITTSYLVANIA CANCER ASSOCIATION
The Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association along with The Danville Running and Fitness Club and Danville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the 14th Annual Bridge2Bridge 5K, 10K, and Kids Fun Run to be held April 15, 2023 with both in-person and virtual options available.

Over the past 13 years, Bridge2Bridge has raised over $700,000 benefitting cancer patients within Danville and Pittsylvania County. In their most recent race, over 500 individuals participated helping Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer raise over $50,000!

Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer is a local 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides assistance to cancer patients by providing travel reimbursement, prescriptions, nutrition, medical supplies and equipment, prostheses, and wigs, as well as emotional, and educational support. Throughout the course of this year, Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer has provided approximately $200,000 in financial assistance to its clients.

Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer is thankful for the support they have received from the individuals and businesses who have supported Bridge2Bridge for 13 years, and they hope you will consider partnering with them once again.
RACE DATE: APRIL 15, 2023
DEADLINE FOR SPONSORSHIP
FEBRUARY 28, 2023
BRIGHTVIEW HEALTH: BLACK AMERICANS IN RECOVERY
Black Americans in Recovery: Addressing Racial Challenges in Addiction Treatment
 
Thursday, February 16, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST
 
The impact of substance and alcohol use disorders on Black Americans is a complex issue. Understanding it requires an examination of racial inequity, inequality, and racism. Research shows long-held stereotypes about race and addiction are impacting access to treatment and patient outcomes. It is critical for the behavioral health community to discuss these differences.
 
Topics covered will include:
 
• Black American drug and alcohol usage trends vary across age and sex;
• Bias and stigma affect treatment access and patient outcomes;
• Systemic racism and trauma contribute to treatment disparities between races;
• Understanding this complex issue can impact recovery outcomes
• Open forum for participants to ask questions
 
Presented by Jacole Spriggs, BrightView Health’s Chief Nursing Officer

 
For more information about this event, please contact:
CITY OF DANVILLE: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM
The Enterprise Zone Workshop will provide detailed instructions on the qualification process for Grant Year 2022 Real Property Investment Grants and Job Creation Grants. Grant Year 2022 grants include grants for jobs created in calendar year 2022 and grants for real property investments that received final placed-in-service documentation in calendar year 2022. Attendance is open to the public and free of charge! Must register to attend.

For more details about the enterprise zone visit our website at www.discoverdanville.com
 
Is your business in the Enterprise Zone?

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LONGWOOD SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
BUILDING THE FOUNDATION
For Your New Business

Presenter
Brandon Hennessey
Director of Innovation, Research and Entrepreneurship
Longwood SBDC
 
Some of the most popular reasons to start a business include-having a unique business idea, designing a career that has the flexibility to grow with you, working toward financial independence, and investing in yourself.
 
Prepare to start a successful business:

·     Evaluate your entrepreneurial abilities 
·     Marketing strategies 
·     Financial resources
·     Legal form of organization
·     Tips to prepare & present your business plan
·     Cybersecurity Tips
 
Not every small business is positioned for success, so you may be in for a real challenge when you decide to take the plunge, ditch your day job, and become a business owner. The stage is often set in the beginning, so make sure you start with a strong foundation.
 
February 23, 2023
9:00AM-10:00AM
Via ZOOM
VIRGINIA TOURISM CORPORATION: GRANT FUNDING PROGRAMS
Virginia Tourism Corporation is pleased to announce that the 2023 rounds of the DMO Marketing Program, Marketing Leverage Program, and Special Events and Festivals Program are now open.
DMOs are eligible for all three programs. However, only one application per program is permitted.

Programs close on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 5 p.m.
Please note that we do require letters of support from the DMO in both the Marketing Leverage Program and the Special Events & Festivals Sponsorship Program.

Information regarding eligibility, terms and conditions, and application instructions are available on vatc.org/grants. Only online applications will be accepted.
We anticipate awardees will be notified in mid-April 2023. 
US SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION: FEBRUARY WORKSHOPS
Feb 23- SBA Upcoming Webinars

Wednesday, February 22, 2023 10:00 -11:15 a.m. EST Online
Friday, February 24, 2023 12:00 -1:00 p.m. EST Online
INNOVATION PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNERS
Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce | www.dpchamber.org
(T) 434.836.6990 | (F) 434.836.6955
150 Slayton Avenue | Danville, VA 24540