2012 PROGRAM OF WORK2011 ANNUAL REPORT

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We are blessed to live in Central Virginia and equally blessed to have been able to conduct business in a region that is business friendly. Our Chamber of Commerce has been a beacon for this pro-business environment for 129 years and I am proud to say it continues to stand strong in support of this vision. It is no wonder that Lynchburg continues to land in the top 50 of Forbes’ annual “Best Places for Business and Careers.”

Our Chamber year after year has taken the lead in important community efforts to make this community prosperous. We have led the way on key transportation issues, work with our manufacturers through our Central Virginia Industries Council and our hospitality industry with our award winning Tourism program.

Our Chamber was again recognized with Five Star Accreditation placing us in the top 2% of Chambers nationwide to reach this distinction!

As our community and its businesses move into a new era of enterprise and technology, our Chamber is embarking to move forward as well. Just this January we announced the purchase of a new building in the center of the region and a campaign, “Building for Lynchburg’s Future,” to fund the remodeling of this space to become a “state of the art” welcoming and positive business hub for the entire community.

We at the Chamber look forward to continuing the reputation of excellence as we continue to build for the future!

Forward by the Chairman

Tulane Patterson,Chairman, 2012 Executive Committee

2012 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Lynchburg Regional Chamber serves to strengthen our member businesses and stimulate regional prosperity.

Chairman Tulane Patterson, Generation Solutions

Past Chair John Keith, J. Crew

Secretary Rex Hammond, Lynchburg Regional Chamber

Treasurer Greg Nichols, Banker Steel Company

Vice Chair Linda Edwards, Interiors by Decorating Den

Vice Chair Ken Garren, Lynchburg College

Vice Chair Rick A. Huff, CPA/PFS, Huff, Stuart & Carlton

Vice Chair Larry Jackson, Appalachian Power

Vice Chair Darlene Mack, Successful Innovations, Inc.

Vice Chair Jim Richards, Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards, PC

Vice Chair Randy Smith, WSET-TV

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The Chamber’s 2011 Strategic Planning process involving our board of directors outlines our plans for the next three years. This plan includes key initiatives in the areas of pro-business advocacy, meaningful networks, leadership, tourism and operations. Our theme for 2012 is FIT for Success

and competitive in the 21st-century global economy. And you as a member, can become or remain

As we look to the year ahead, we remain focused on serving our members and the region by staying true to our mission and continuing to be an agent of positive change. Here’s a look into our 2012 Program of Work.

Support pro-business legislation and policies that enhance the economic development, transportation and the overall business climate of

Lead the Committee to Advance the TransDominion Express, Lynchburg Region Transportation Advocacy Group, and the Air Partnership Committee in furthering transportation initiatives.

Ensure funding for Virginia’s passenger rail services and expand service to Roanoke and the entire TransDominion Express route

Ensure the success of US Air’s operation at Lynchburg Regional Airport and recruit a second airline to connect to a northern hub

Follow through on the US29 Bypass for the environmental assessment to begin in 2012 with construction to begin in 2013

Support funding requests for local private universities and colleges to increase the annual Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) from the Commonwealth of Virginia from $2650 for undergraduate/$1150 graduate to $2800 for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Promote worksite wellness and oppose mandated healthcare products and costs by protecting the business community and supporting efforts to reduce healthcare costs, including pooling to increase buying strength,

accounts, and other affordable means.

Encourage businesses to create or enhance worksite wellness programs to assist with cost containment of health care plans.

alternative energy sources while keeping Virginia competitive in the energy market. Support expansion of traditional energy sources like nuclear, clean coal, natural gas, as well as, development of cost-effective renewable energy sources. Provide additional incentives to encourage sustainable business practices.

Support for a Constitutional amendment or federal law that requires the federal government to balance the annual budget.

I cannot say enough about the Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce’s role in advancing the US29 Bypass around Charlottesville. The Lynchburg Chamber has championed this issue for almost 20 years. When most people had given up, Rex Hammond and the Chamber refused to go away. They kept the Bypass alive by working with the Legislature and keeping the issue in the forefront of the media. They worked behind the scenes with many community leaders to bring about

would not be moving forward.

Mark J. Peake, Esquire, Caskie & Frost

Priority I: Advocating pro-business public policies

Dawn Best,Legislative Affairs Chair

REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION ADVOCACY...

“People Are

Talking About:

The Chamber’s 2011 Strateggic Planning g prp ocess involving g our board of directors outlines our plp ans for the next three years This plan includes key initiatives in the areas of pro-business advocacy

Amtrak’s daily round-trip service between Lynchburg, Washington, D.C., and other cities along the Northeast Corridor has exceeded all expectations. Photo courtesy G.R. Harper.

Lynchburg Regional Airport is actively seeking a second airline to provide both business and leisure travelers with convenient connections through a

2012 PROGRAM OF WORK

Launch Work Healthy

’

’ V

Engage increased number of our membership

Strengthen the relationships

Conduct the 41st Class of Leadership Lynchburg

Launch YEA! (Young Entrepreneurship Academy)

Host annual Leadership Lynchburg Alumni refresher course

Conduct three international trips

Continue to host and co-sponsor networking and training programs

Molly Cousins, Leadership Lynchburg Council Chair

Tulane Patterson, Board Chair

Claussen Warren, CHAT Chair

Greg Nichols, Finance Chair

Launch the capital campaign, “Building for Lynchburg’s Future”

Continue to utilize the Chamber’s social media outlets

Secure 100+ new members

ensure that all Chamber events and programs are consistent with the mission and provide value to the membership

Priority II: P o V o &

Priority III:

Chamber members and their friends can travel with the Chamber of Commerce to Spain in November 2012.

The proposed new state-of-the-art Chamber facility

2012 PROGRAM OF WORK, CONTINUED

Leadership Lynchburg is more than a leadership program. It is an empowerment tool for individuals who seek to grow personally and professionally in their leadership roles. LL enabled me to step outside of my comfort zone, examine weaknesses, and learn more about how my leadership style is perceived by others. By working together with others seeking to strengthen the way they “lead” in various capacities, I was held accountable for developing and growing instead of reverting to what was comfortable. Jenna L. Lodge, Community Court Advocate, Community Outreach Manager, YWCA of Central Virginia

LEADERSHIP LYNCHBURG...

“People Are

Talking About:

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Expand leisure marketing footprint through more diverse media.

Continue to aggressively pursue the group travel market and its high economic return for Lynchburg.

Grow International marketing initiatives with more investment in proven, targeted partnerships.

Remain a leader in destination marketing with new, innovative technologies in all discoverLynchburg initiatives.

for local frontline hospitality workers

top priority for all Lynchburg stakeholders.Greg Starbuck, Tourism Chair

Rick Huff,Small Business Chair

Sponsor a series of seminars/sessions designed to educate, inform and assist small business owners in meeting the challenges of establishing and growing their businesses.

Recognize successful businesses through the Small Business of the Year Award.

Engage small business owners by seeking their input on innovative ways to assist their growth.

Emphasize access to programs and services through our communications, committees and staff ensuring that our 900+ members are aware of all we offer to assist them in running their business effectively and

Deliver quality and valuable programs and discounts to the small business members by leveraging our group buying power.

Priority V: Educating, Strengthening & Supporting the Small Business

Priority IV: Through the Lynchburg Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, Market Lynchburg to the Leisure, Group Tour, Meetings/Convention and Sports Markets

SUPPORTING YOUR BUSINESS

Programs at a GlanceHere are the events you can participate in to make new contacts, learn valuable information and engage in the work of the Chamber:

Luncheon

topics

Here are just some of the ways you can receive assistance from the Chamber:

members!)

lists

place of business to discuss business issues

assistance

Discount Programs and Incentives

services from these companies and

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discoverLynchburg is marketing Lynchburg with today’s digital technology

from U. S. Chamber and Accreditation for Lynchburg Regional CVB by Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI)

Bypass of Charlottesville. Staff & members

of the project, defended against the misrepresentation of the cost of this project, rallied support for the project and represented the cause in dozens of media stories.

facility.

with Lynchburg Regional Airport to secure a $700,000 Federal grant.

an increase in Visitor spending in the City from $136 Million to $143 million.

Campaign in the state, Best International Initiative in the state and Sales team of the year recognizing a 77% increase in closed group sales. LRCVB also received a 2011 ConventionSouth Readers’ Choice Award for group tour travel.

(CVIC) and new strategic partnership with Virginia Manufacturers Association to offer

Central VA.

members of Congress addressed our Chamber.

Regional CVB honored with American Chamber of Commerce Executives Silver Awards for Chamber website and discoverLynchburg travel app for mobile phones.

China and Tuscany with 151 participants.

Business”.

languages promoting sites in and around Lynchburg to the international travel market (on YouTube, Facebook, website and more).

Chamber to launch YEA! a youth leadership program designed to reduce high school dropout rates and equip students with a healthy work ethic and entrepreneurial education.

consecutive year and maintained 90 percent retention of member dollars, exceeding the national average.

earnings.

Chamber President & CEO Rex Hammond at

accreditation ceremony.

discoverLynchburg staff honored with three top state awards for tourism.

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2011 ANNUAL REPORT

The Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce is committed to leading the growth and prosperity of the Lynchburg region. As a member and investor, you are central to the work we do every day to strengthen the region’s workforce, support small and entrepreneurial businesses, and improve the transportation infrastructure in the region. In the past year, the Chamber created a three year strategic plan – the blueprint for growth for the Chamber. 2011 was year one in the plan and we accomplished many great things on your behalf. Here is a brief summary of how we maximize your investment to ensure our region is seen as a top destination to live, work and play.

HOLIDAY SHOWCASE...

I would like to take a moment to thank the Chamber for another great Holiday Showcase. I thought it felt very fresh

Homestead. As usual - great work!

Rachael Thompson Director of Regional Accounts, The Homestead

Grand opening and After Hours networking event at Lynchburg True Value and Just Ask Rental.

2011BY THE NUMBERS:

The second annual Wing Fling drawing over 350 attendees.

2011 Women of Worth Luncheon honoring outstanding female professionals.

Katherine DeRosear with Virginia Manufactures

Virginia Industries Council Roundtable.

Chamber hosted Congressional breakfast with Congressman Goodlatte (left) and Delegate Garrett (right).

50 Events hosted for membership to network, learn and engage in the work of the Chamber

46 Ribbon Cuttings/Grand opening ceremonies conducted for members

200+ Visits that staff and our CHAT Ambassador Team conducted with member employers to identify and solve workforce and business development needs

4,000+ Event participants

Courtney Hunter, Group Sales Manager for discoverLynchburg selling Lynchburg as a destination for business and group travel.

“People Are

Talking About:

10 Co-sponsored member events giving them increased visibility and promotion

713,703 Total number of referrals of member businesses

results for you and your

business

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Jack Bobbitt, Prototype Advertising, Inc.

Bill Bryant, Counts Realty & Auction Co. Inc.

Michael Bryant, CENTRA

John S. Capps, Central Virginia Community College

Ed Craighill, Boxley

Steve Cronemeyer, Verizon

Christian H. DePaul, CFP, MS, CDFA, Ameriprise Financial

Linda Edwards, Interiors by Decorating Den - Linda Edwards

Georgia Fauber, Kroll Background America

Kenneth Garren, Lynchburg College

Cheryl Giggetts, PMP, AECOM

Aubrey “Todd” H. Hall III, First National Bank

Rex K. Hammond, CCE, IOM, MBA, Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce

Gary Hostutler, RR Donnelley

Larry E. Jackson, Appalachian Power

Samuel E. Johnson CPA, Cherry, Bekaert &

John Keith, J. Crew

Ronald G. Kidd, Jr., Southern Air, Inc.

Mike Lee, Genworth Financial

Darlene Mack, Successful Innovations, Inc.

Patrick S. McNamara, MaxPlayFit, LLC

, AREVA Inc.

Greg Morris, AMG, Inc.

Lewis H. Mundin IV, Bankers Insurance, LLC

Greg Nichols, Banker Steel Company, LLC

Sharon Oglesby, Oglesby Management Group, Inc.

Josh Oppenheimer, Prototype Media LLC

Tulane Patterson, Generation Solutions

L. Kimball Payne III, City of Lynchburg

J.R. “Reggie” Pugh, AREVA Inc.

James R. Richards, Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards, PC

Randy Smith, WSET, Incorporated (WSET-TV)

Douglas S. Wolfe, The Babcock & Wilcox Company

2012 PEAK LEVELCENTRAThe News & AdvanceWSET-TV

2012 SUMMIT LEVELBB&TWells Fargo

2012 CREST LEVELFirst National BankJ. Crew, Inc.Liberty UniversityThe SummitSunTrust Bank

2012 RIDGE LEVELAppalachian PowerAREVA, Inc.The Babcock & Wilcox CompanyBank of AmericaBank of the JamesGenworth Financial

Progress Printing PlusThomas Road Baptist ChurchVerizon WirelessWestminster Canterbury

2012 BASE LEVELAmerican National BankBankers Insurance LLCCENTRA FoundationCentral Virginia Community CollegeCentral Virginia Family PhysiciansCentral Virginia Federal Credit UnionCentury 21 All-Service - Forest

Coleman-Adams Construction, Inc.Dawson Ford GarbeeEnterprise Rent-A-CarFirst Citizens BankFleet Laboratories

Jamerson Family YMCA

Liberty University Law SchoolLynchburg City SchoolsLynchburg College

Lynchburg Ready MixLynchburg Regional AirportMemberOne FCU

Piedmont Eye CenterRandolph CollegeSouthern Air, Inc.Successful InnovationsTeva PharmaceuticalsTomlin & Associates, LLCVerizonVirgina Bank & TrustVirginia Episcopal SchoolVirginia’s Region 2000 Economic

Development CouncilWatts Petroleum Corporation

2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORSPREMIUM INVESTORS

www.LynchburgChamber.orgwww.DiscoverLynchburg.com

434/845-5966

2015 Memorial AvenueLynchburg, VA 24501

Lynchburg Chamber

Discover Lynchburg

©2012 The Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce

Designed by Blair Marketing, Lynchburg VA.

www.BlairMarketing.com

we’re here

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