In this issue...
Home for the Holidays Celebration, Danville Hosts TEDx Event, River District Association Produces Holiday Gift Guide, River District Welcomes Two New Businesses, River District Events...and a special section just for our River District Merchants!
|
|
This year our annual event "RDA Christmas on the Plaza" goes virtual. Join us for "HOME for the Holidays!" |
|
For the safety of our entire community, we will be presenting a pre-recorded event presented LIVE on Facebook Saturday, December, 5, 2020. We hope that everyone in and around the Dan River Region will participate by submitting content to be included in the show. While we can't be together in person this year for the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Danville's River District we want friends and family to gather virtually on December 5 for this festive event including:
Tree Lighting on the Plaza Finale!
|
|
|
|
TEDx Comes to Danville
319 Lynn Street, November 10th, 2020, 6 pm
|
TEDxDanville will showcase the resilience of Danville, VA transitioning from a “Milltown without a Mill” to an All-American City with a global competitive edge. Speakers will demonstrate the power of collaborative efforts and establish the tone for the future of the region through their work.
Featured speakers are:
Diana Schwartz, Executive Director, River District Association
Corrie Tegue Bobe, Director of Economic Development, City of Danville
Warrick Scott, Founder and CEO, Wendell Scott Foundation
|
|
|
River District Holiday Gift Guide |
|
|
|
Support Your Local Merchants this Holiday Season |
Keep your dollars local, and buy your holiday gifts from local merchants this year! Keep your eyes open for this year's River District Holiday Gift Guide in the Sunday, November 22nd Register and Bee. Our downtown merchants are ready to see you on Shop Small Saturday, November 28th! |
|
|
The River District Welcomes Two New Businesses |
|
|
|
River City Fitness Center - Home of Old 97 Crossfit |
River City Fitness Center - Home of Old 97 Crossfit is owned and operated by Danville native Josh Francisco.
"Owning a gym and helping people get fit was always a dream of mine. When I first decided I wanted to be a gym owner, I thought I had to get out of Danville and start somewhere "better." After spending a few months living in a bigger city, I realized that what I was looking for was right here at home in Danville. Shortly after that, the idea of River City Fitness Center became a reality and we planted our seed in Danville's growing River District."
|
|
|
|
|
Nana Karen's
547 Main St.
Danville, VA 24541
|
Nana Karen's is owned and operated by Dustin Haberer and Katie Inman.
The name Nana Karen’s "was chosen to honor Dustin's mother, Karen Haberer, who passed away from cancer at 49 years old. The “Nana” was added in hopes to keep the business in the family for generations to come and forever remember her."
|
|
|
Market Monster Mash
October 31, 2020, 10am-12pm
|
It's no trick, we are having a Halloween Costume 5K Run and a Kid's Pumpkin Run! Runners are encouraged to wear a costume during the run to be a part of the costume contest at the conclusion of the race.
|
|
|
Main Street Art Collective: Pottery Plate
October 31, 2020, 11am-2pm
|
Local potter Lori Bidgood will lead everyone in creating their own beautiful pottery dish.
|
|
|
The LoOG Live @ Golden Leaf
November 7th, 2020, 7 pm
|
The League of Ordinary Gentlemen are back at Golden Leaf Bistro!
|
|
|
Main Street Art Collective:
Paint Your Own Barn Quilt
November 8, 2020, 1 pm-5pm
|
All supplies are provided. Paint is exterior grade.
|
|
|
The LoOG Live @ Grizzly's
November 7th, 2020, 7 pm
|
The League of Ordinary Gentlemen are back at Grizzy's Hatchet House!
|
|
|
Marie Anderson LIVE @ The Golden Leaf Bistro
November 21, 2020, 7 pm
|
Come out and join me at one of Danville's most prestigious restaurants from 7-10! Grab a bite to eat from their delectable menu, a few of your favorite cocktails, and simply enjoy while I play all your favorite tunes and take your requests from the 1930"s to today.
|
|
|
Josh Solo LIVE @ The Golden Leaf Bistro
November 28, 2020, 7 pm
|
|
|
For The River District Merchant Community |
|
Help us celebrate being HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS in the River District! Here are some opportunities for River District Merchants to join in as we celebrate the season.
|
|
CONSIDER AN ADJUSTMENT TO STORE HOURS
Several merchants in the River District have inquired if there is an opportunity to standardize extended/holiday hours within the district. RDA recognizes that each business has different capacities and availability to stay open later. Please let us know if you have an interest by participating in a short survey.
|
|
RDA invites you to once again take part in our annual Merchant Holiday Window Decorating Contest!
As always, we respect the investment you have previously made into your holiday window décor so there is no specific theme - just beautiful windows that draw interest to your business and our downtown.
TIMELINE: Please have your window decorated and ready for viewing by "Shop Small Saturday" on Saturday, November 28. Voting will take place electronically from midnight on November 28 through midnight on Friday, December 4.
PROMOTIONAL/VOTING INFORMATION: The public will be invited to vote by write-in ballot on a website that will be shared/promoted via social media and our River District Holiday Gift Guide. The website we use only allows one vote per email address and monitors for spoof/ghost voting. You will receive the information to share with your customers prior to November 28. Voting in the Merchant Window Decorating Contest (link will activate the day voting starts): www.tiny.cc/rdaholiday2020
AWARDS: We will have two categories for recognition, "People's Choice" and "Judges Choice.” Winners of each category will be announced on Saturday, December 5 via social media and newsletters. Winners will receive a $150 Visa Gift Card and a traveling trophy to display in your business for the next year.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO PARTICIPATE? Just decorate your window and share the opportunity to vote with your friends and customers. It's just that easy!
|
|
BE IN THE HOLIDAY GUIFT GUIDE
We are once again publishing the River District Holiday Gift Guide that will be distributed in the Danville Register and Bee in the Sunday paper prior to Thanksgiving. Additional copies can be delivered to your business upon request. Please submit a short, written promo that includes your name and holiday business hours to kirsten@riverdistrictassociation.com by 11-2-2020.
|
|
$10,000 Marketing and Technology Grant Available for BIPOC Small Businesses
Comcast RISE - Representation, Investment, Strength, Empowerment
Comcast has committed to a multiyear plan to fight injustice and inequality. As part of this commitment from Chairman and CEO, Brian Roberts, Comcast is allocating substantial resources to help small businesses. Small businesses are core to who we are, and we know that businesses owned by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) have been impacted at a higher rate this year.
With that in mind, Comcast developed Comcast RISE – a program that stands for Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment. It is initially available for Black small business owners, and beginning November 28, 2020, all BIPOC small business owners will be eligible to apply. In addition, all small businesses are able to sign up for free marketing insights and resources. In the future, the program aims to expand to other small business owners.
Comcast RISE offers marketing and technology makeovers, which may include media placements, marketing consultations, commercial creative production services, or technology services such as computer equipment, internet, voice and cybersecurity from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, and Comcast Business, Comcast’s cable provider to small and mid-size businesses. And, in the coming months, Comcast will be awarding grants of up to $10,000.
Please use this link for details on the selection criteria and to apply.
|
|
What is the River District Association? |
|
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:
William Crumpton
Caswell Family Medical Center
President
Kelvin Perry
CoD Economic Development
Vice President
Seven Osborne
Adams and Fisk, PLC
Secretary
Beth Bullins
First Citizens Bank
Treasurer
Rachel Covington
Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce
Past President
Robin Jones
Vintages by the Dan
Philip Hayes
Noblis
Christy Harper
Danielle DuCré
Chatham Hall
Varun Sadana
The Launch Place
Stuart Smith
FCS, Inc.
Hampton Wilkins
Wilkins and Co.
Andrew Herring
West Main Baptist Church
Emma Sellers
Averett University
Shandi Gaylord
PATHS, Inc.
|
|
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.
When We Meet
The RDA Board of Directors meets the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 in the evening. For more information about these meetings, or to seek assistance with a matter, please call or email RDA's office or contact any Board member.
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
Caitlin Howell: Operations Manager
Kirsten Aherron: Communication and Events Manager
|
|
River District Association | www.riverdistrictassociation.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
