Introducing River District Dollars!

River District Association is excited to announce River District Dollars, a community e-gift card that can be used at participating River District businesses.

Additionally, starting on November 10th, 2022 (mark your calendar!) buy a River District Dollars E-Gift Card for any value between $25 and $100 and get a matching bonus card!

Limit to 1 bonus card per purchaser. Bonus cards are available while matching funds last. Bonus cards must be used within 90 days of purchase. Have fun shopping the River District!

Purchase River District Dollars

November 26th is Shop Small Saturday

Head downtown to shop on Shop Small Saturday, November 26th.

Our River District Merchants are excited and ready to see you for some great holiday shopping.

Need some ideas? Be sure to download the River District Holiday Gift Guide!

And it's a great day to use some Downtown Dollars Bonus cards! (Remember the Buy One Get One offer starts November 10th!)

Mornings on Main

There will be no Mornings on Main in November.

October Mornings on Main Meeting Recording:

Topic: Partnership for Regional Prosperity

The River District Spotlight

Check out our new monthly video series highlighting River District Businesses, Food, Music, Arts and Entertainment and more!

Tell us what you think about River District Spotlight, and be entered to win a $25 River District Dollars E-Gift Card!

Did you watch? Tell us what you think!

Holiday Window Decorating Contest

River District Holiday Window Contest Voting will be November 25th through December 2nd!

Keep an eye on the RDA social media pages for the live link, or check in at: https://www.riverdistrictassociation.com/explore/rda-events-and-promotions/holiday-window-decorating

Dream Launch Bootcamp registration is open!

The RDA Dream Launch Bootcamp is for anyone seeking to learn how to open, run or expand their business.

This is a free program. The "Entrepreneur Bootcamp," an intensive workshop that will meet for 6 weeks beginning in January (with an additional week for food and beverage businesses) to teach participants a full slate of skills and information that business owners need. Participants that complete all 6 bootcamp classes may then elect to participate in the RDA IGNITE Business Pitch (For businesses planning to open brick and mortar locations in the River District) to compete for cash and other incentives. Participants can also elect to pitch in the Danville/Pittsylvania County Rev-Up Pitch Competition (for businesses wishing to open locations in Danville outside of the River District, or in Pittsylvania County) through the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce.

The Dream Launch Application is now open. Apply at: www.tinyurl.com/2023RDADreamLaunch

For more information attend a virtual Dream Launch Bootcamp Info Session on December 6th at 6pm. Register for the info session at: www.tinyurl.com/RDADreamLaunchInfoSession

November 13-19 is Global Entrepreneurship Week

ABOUT GEW: Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is an international movement – powered by thousands of partner organizations dedicated to making it possible for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a company. GEW 2022 will be celebrated from November 14 – 20, 2022, with national campaigns in 180 countries – engaging millions of participants in activities.

The Dan River Region Entrepreneur Ecosystem (DRREE) is the official community organizer for GEW in Southern Virginia. DRREE will continue to collaborate with entrepreneurs, ecosystem builders, and innovators alike to celebrate and highlight the local entrepreneurial spirit, activity, and growing ecosystems.

Learn more and check out the full schedule of events at: https://fb.me/e/2fYtOzCMA

River District Event Calendar

Visit the River District Event Calendar to find community events, art classes, live music shows, and more...

Know of something not listed? submit an event.

(RDA may still make decisions about which events can be included in the calendar - thank you for understanding!)

View the Calendar

River District News

Job Openings in the River District

Riverfront Real Estate, Danville, VA

Our company is currently seeking someone with exceptional customer experience skills to join our team. The individual we are looking to hire ideally has prior experience and professional references; responsibilities will include providing a positive experience to potential clients / customers and performing other day-to-day office duties for a real estate firm. Full-time / part-time hourly position. Please send resume to: joiesford@gmail.com

Angela's Creative Catering

Full-time and Part-time positions available! Experience preferred but not required if you are willing to learn. Email angelascooking4u@gmail.com with inquiries.

YMCA Holiday Pop-up Shop

December 2nd, 12pm -6pm

The Danville Family YMCA is looking for vendors! Any individuals or businesses that want to take part in a great community event, while also getting the opportunity to sell their products and services.

The Holiday Pop-Up Shop on December 2nd from 12pm - 6pm is a great way to sell and promote your products or services. Contact tevris.fitzgerald@ymcadanville.org to reserve a free vendor spot.

River City Systems

651 Loyal Street

Another great transformation at 651 Loyal Street. River City Systems used an RDA Façade Improvement Grant to help fix up the outside of the building. In Danville we are so lucky to have local businesses willing to put in the time and effort to revitalize buildings like this!

Smokestack Theatre Company, Preferred Management Group, Advocates for the People

319 and 321 Lynn Street

Look at this great transformation at 319/321 Lynn Street. Home of Smokestack Theatre Company, Preferred Management Group, and Advocates for the People. The building owner used a Façade Improvement Grant from RDA to help make the changes.

Danville Historical Society

406 Cabell Street

Check out the new entrance and sign at the Danville Historical Society at 406 Cabell Street! It looks amazing. An RDA Facade Improvement Grant helped fund the work. It's great to have Danville Historical Society in The River District.

Download our Sponsorship Packet!

What is the River District Association?

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!

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:

Rachel Covington

Hawthorne and Jade Design Co. LLC

President

Stuart Smith

FCS, Inc

Vice President

Kunal Patel

Caesars Virginia

Treasurer

William Crumpton

Compassion Healthcare

Secretary

Kelvin Perry

CoD Economic Development

Immediate Past President

Steven Osborne

International Mission Board

Christy Harper

Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce

Drew Herring

West Main Baptist Church

Emma Sellers

Averett University

Shani Gaylord - Hunter

PATHS, Inc.

Dr. Andrew Hessler

Danville Dental Associates

Irving M. Perez

American National Bank and Trust Company

Sandra Chinn-Gilstrap

Clement-Wheatley

Rachel Timm

Smokestack Theatre Company

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

River District Association | www.riverdistrictassociation.com