Dinwiddie County Chamber of CommerceM1

Dinwiddie County Chamber of CommerceM2

Founder’s CornerDinwiddie Chamber of Commerce is upgrading its membership offerings and services to better serve the needs of its membership and the community we live in, work in, play in and serve. Over the next few months, we will be upgrading our website to include lots of new features to include: community links, in-teractive community calendar, community events and business news, and links to other community groups and organizations. As Dinwiddie County begins to expand its horizons and the business base, our goal is to become a better resource for our community and our businesses, integrating marketing and knowledge into our site. Businesses will have marketing and link opportunities for the “virtual experience” as well as

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) results improvements. One of our newest member benefits / opportunities is sponsoring our membership meetings. As your Chamber of Commerce, we work hard to assist our membership in networking and sharing their business offerings with others. Through sponsorship of our meetings, members are better able to get the word out as to what they do and how people can reach them. Sponsors will be receiving a dedicated article in our Quarterly Newsletter recapping their presentation. Newsletter recapping their presentation.

Members who employ ten or less full-time employees will receive inclusion in the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Small Business Membership Alliance. This alliance affords small business the opportunity for FREE membership in the VA Chamber. This is a huge savings to small business owners and gives them a wide variety of mem-bership benefits that include; Chamber Briefings, the Government Relations monthly e-newsletter, Chamber Action Alerts, Virginia Chamber Prosperity Project, Invita-tions to regional policy events and surveys, to name a few of the long list of benefits. Any current member who has 10 or less full-time employees should contact our office at (804) 861-8774 or info@dinwiddiechamber.org to verify that they are on the list that has been submitted to the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Also offered recently to our members is the introduction from Southside Electric Cooperative to participate in the Co-op Connections Car Program. The personalized Co-op Connections Cars is, essentially a discount card that connects cooperative members with discounts on products and services they use every day that are offered by participating local and national retailers/businesses. Interested members and local businesses (non-members) can contact Fred Davis at (434) 645-3219 for more infor-mation. Your new chamber board of directors has designated this the year of communica-tion and they are working diligently at finding new ways to communicate what our members do and aid them in their marketing strategies. If you would like to join the chamber of commerce, contact us at (804) 861-8774 or info@dinwiddiechamber.org. Together we can achieve more!

Tanya HaleFounder/Executive Director

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A community supported program of the Appomattox Regional Library System Major funders: The Cameron Foundation and the John Randolph Foundation

Get involved at:www.ConnectSouthside.org

or call, 804-458-6329, x2017

• Nonprofit & Civic Leadership Training• Funding Resources• Community Volunteer Match

Board of Directors

The Dinwiddie County Chamber of Commerce Incorporated (the “Cham-ber”) is organized for the purpose of: (1) Promoting business and community growth and development by promot-ing economic programs designed to strengthen and expand the income po-tential of all businesses within the trade area; (2) promoting programs of civic, social and cultural nature which are designed to increase the functional and aesthetic values of the community, as well as promoting public awareness of those businesses within the county; (3) enhancing the competitive enterprise

system of business by creating a better understanding and appreciation of the importance of business, business people and a concern for their associated chal-lenges, (4) educating the business com-munity and representing them in local, state and national affairs; (5) presenting or addressing issues which are detri-mental to the expansion and growth of business in the community as a liaison between county and membership; (6) and discovering and assisting in the correction of abuses which prevent the promotion of business expansion and community growth.

Purpose Statement

Dinwiddie County Chamber of Commerce 7301 Boydton Plank RoadPetersburg, VA 23803 (804) 861-8774dinwiddiechamber.orginfo@dinwiddiechamber.org

Regularly Scheduled Events Membership Meetings—2nd Wednesday every month 11:30 am—1:00 pm Board of Directors Meetings—4th Wednesday every month 11 am—1 pm Quarterly Newsletter published by Progress-Index: January, April, July, October Chamber Corner published by The Monitor, the first week each month

Patricia Hood, Chairman of the Board Crater Small Business Development Center

Mark Harris, President Mark Harris, President Mark Harris, PresidentRandstad Work Solutions

Joy Marshall, Secretary Joy Marshall, Secretary Joy Marshall, SecretaryAlpha House Group Homes

Tori Abernathy, Treasurer Tori Abernathy, Treasurer Tori Abernathy, TreasurerContainer First Services (CFS)

Theresa Crowder Theresa Crowder Theresa CrowderBank of McKenney

David Hahn Dinwiddie County Airport

Tanya Hale, Founder, Executive Director Hale’s Electrical Service, Inc., Jeremiah, Inc.

The Dinwiddie County Chamber of Commerce Newsletter was created by the staff of The Progress-Index newspaper in partnership with the Dinwiddie County Chamber of Commerce. This publication may

not be reproduced in full or part without the express written consent of The Progress-Index. www.progress-index.com Phone: (804) 732-3456 • Fax: (804) 861-9452

Becky Hammond Becky Hammond Whiz Bang Promotions

Ryan ShillingCare Advantage

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Container First Services provided lunch, door prizes and Rob Guidry, President/CEO and partner as our guest speaker. Rob Guidry with a long history with Waste Management and a key leader with Waste Management in the 9/11 cleanup efforts spoke passionately about business and his take on business. Gird-ing himself with his imaginary football helmet each day, Rob has a passion for CFS employees and their families, as well as the customers he and CFS serve. Rob shared the tools that helped make CFS what it is today and how it led to earning several awards including; The Impact Award in November of 2011 from the Greater Richmond Chamber of Com-merce. A sampling of Rob’s presentation are as follows; Take pride in the people you work with and what you do. Rob explained that when you own or work for a compa-ny, you need to be proud of that company. You and every other employee represent that company and when people see the Company name, they see every employee who works for that company, from the CEO right on down to the janitor. If you don’t take pride in what you do it shows! Always give 110% to the task at hand and the job you do. CFS goes so far as to purchase equipment that makes an em-ployee’s job more pleasant and tolerable. This may mean a bigger expense, but the rewards will pay off with less employee turnover and a happier employee at the end of the day. Never losing the passion and drive for what you do. This is a key and goes hand in hand with the pride. As long as you get up every morning and look forward to your job, you will be giving 110% and you will be happier. When you lose the passion, mistakes get made and people are disappointed in not only your perfor-mance, but every employee and their family who is supported by the income of the company. A company is made up of every employee who works there, however it is also made up of the families

who are dependent on those employees. On the surface you see the employees, but you don’t often see the faces behind those employees. Rob also reminded employees that the employer “steers the ship” but if you don’t step up to the plate and share your ideas, your challenges, your concerns, you have no room to complain. Not all employ-ers want to hear your ideas, however the smart employer wants to hear your ideas and your solutions to challenges that

arise. Don’t walk away from a company meeting saying things like “Well, I don’t like that” or “I would have” or “I think we should”. Not all your ideas will be-come policy or practice, but if you don’t share your ideas, management cannot possibly know what your challenges are. You are a part of the company you work for. Owners and managers steer the ship and sometimes they need your input and ideas to make the best decisions that may eventually affect all employees and their families. The importance of branding is that you want to become a household name. You want to be known for what you do, how you do it and limit the advertising expense that you might be putting out. When you brand your business, you get referrals and people literally want you for your good name and reputation. Make yourself synonymous with the business, the product or the industry you are in. Soup is Campbells, tissues are Kleenex and so on. Are you branded in your industry? Community involvement is extremely important...in more ways than one! CFS

passionately involves their employees in all kind of community based giving and volunteer programs to support those who are less fortunate. CFS understands that a key to feeling good about one’s self is giving back to others. CFS is involved in community support through sponsoring youth leagues and many others who de-pend on the financial support of business. Rob remembers being a young ball player and the financial donations and compa-nies that supported he and his teams. Rob

expressed the need for business, especially small business to use these opportunities to brand your business in the community you live and work in. Not only are you giving back to your community, you are showing your community that you plan to be there for a long time and that you support the community and the future growth of your community. Rob also discussed what Dinwid-die County means to CFS and how the County opened doors to other opportu-nities for them. CFS is on line at www.containerfirst.com or can be reached at (804) 748-8324. Locally owned and oper-ated, CFS leads the industry in providing a one-stop solution for all of your solid waste needs. With roll-off containers and commercial dumpsters, LEED-certified recycling and a full line of new and refur-bished equipment for sale, CFS provides the most professional and convenient solid waste services in the area. Their experienced team is there to identify and resolve your unique waste disposal needs. Call them today to discuss your needs!

June Sponsor Spotlight “How to Succeed in Business WITH really Trying!”

2012Dinwiddie

County Christmas Parade

The 2012 Dinwiddie County Christ-mas Parade is just around the corner! Always the second Saturday of December, (December 8, 2012) this year’s parade committee members have begun work-ing on the parade theme and registration forms. Our theme and registration forms will be released by September 1st for all to sign up and begin planning their entry. Cost this year will be $25.00 for all entries, including student and civic organizations. There are also opportunities for our Chamber of Commerce Members to sponsor the award ribbons and trophies again this year. Sponsors receive special recognition and their name on the rib-bons and trophies that are awarded and later displayed by the winners. Beginning at the new Dinwiddie Middle School (formerly the Dinwiddie Junior High) on Courthouse Road, the parade continues to Route 1 and Court-house Road. This year we are hoping to have more bands and marching groups participating than in past. A steady draw is our Santa Claus on the Ford Volunteer Fire Ladder Truck. Each year the parade gets bigger and better and the Chamber of Commerce Parade Committee gets more and more organized. Dubbed as the most organized parade around, we are excited to begin plans now. Like the Dinwiddie Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade Page on Facebook to follow the plans in the works and to see the theme and registration announcements as they are posted!!

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In May our long standing member Ed-munds Waste Removal provided lunch and showcased their products which confirmed that this company provides the most upscale products on the market. High-lights of this meeting: Planning an outdoor wedding, family reunion, birthday or anniversary in one of our region’s beautiful natural areas? Or are you having your special event on family land? If so, don’t forget to consider the call of nature and the comfort of your guests. Whether the location is a beach, a garden or a tent in your own backyard, think about whether you’ll have adequate sanitary facilities. Although you may have a bathroom available, it is most likely not enough to accommodate all your guests without long lines. The last thing you want is for your guests to miss out on any of the fun because they were waiting to use the restroom. Fortunately, there is a simple solution. Tommy and Susan Edmunds with Ed-munds Waste Removal have a full line of 2-7 stall restroom trailers that are perfect for weddings, graduations, private parties, corporate functions, sporting events, andemergency situations. Trailers come professionally decorated and furnished will all required supplies. They are air conditioned and most contain stereo systems. Edmunds Waste Removal has been in business over 25 years and is a leader in providing upscalewaste management solu-tions to customers throughout Central and Southside Virginia. Their 8’ Cot-

tage Series and 16’ Black Tie Series trailers were recently showcased at the May Din-widdie Chamber meeting, held the second Wednesday each month at Eastside Enhancement Center, 7301 Boydton Plank Road, Peters-burg, VA 23803 from 11:30 -1 pm. All Edmunds Waste Removal porta-john upscale units have been profession-

ally decorated by Brenda Abernathy, Owner of Windows- N- Walls in Colo-nial Heights, Virginia, also a Dinwiddie County resident. Information on these units or any of the services provided by Edmunds Waste Removal can be done by contacting Susan Edmunds at (804) 478-4688 or E-mail: sedmunds@touchva.net.

May Sponsor Spotlight “Convenience can be just like home”

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Dinwiddie County Chamber of CommerceM7

Dinwiddie14003 Boydton Plank Rd

469-4109

Petersburg2703 S. Crater Rd

732-1436

Colonial Heights764 E. Ellerslie Ave

520-0292

www.bsvnet.com

Small BusinessCheckingCommercial

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Prince George6401 Courthouse Rd

732-2706

Rohoic / Edgehill26008 Cox Rd861-3161

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Chester4310 W. Hundred Rd

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We’ve been helping ourfriends and neighbors inthe business communitysince 1905.

RemoteDeposits

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The Dinwiddie Chamber of Commerce awarded three $500 scholarships to Dinwiddie High School Class of 2012. The scholarship winners are Cameron Bonner, Meredith Lee, and Joseph Rowland. The Dinwiddie Chamber of Commerce congratulates all of

the Class of 2012 and wishes each and every one a bright and successful future.

DCCC Scholarship Winners

Cameron BonnerCameron Bonneris the daughter of James Bonner. She is planning to major in is the daughter of James Bonner. She is planning to major in psychology and will be attending University of Virginia. Cam-psychology and will be attending University of Virginia. Cam-eron was the Salutatorian of her class and was active in DECA, eron was the Salutatorian of her class and was active in DECA, FBLA, The National Honor Society and a member of the FBLA, The National Honor Society and a member of the Indoor Track and Field Team, Outdoor Track and Field Team, Indoor Track and Field Team, Outdoor Track and Field Team, and Cross Country Team. and Cross Country Team.

Meredith LeeMeredith Leeis the daughter of Daniel and Alicia Lee. She plans to major in is the daughter of Daniel and Alicia Lee. She plans to major in elementary education and has been accepted at Ferrum College, elementary education and has been accepted at Ferrum College, North Carolina Wesleyan College, and Richard Bland College. North Carolina Wesleyan College, and Richard Bland College. Meredith is undecided which she will attend in the fall. Mer-Meredith is undecided which she will attend in the fall. Mer-edith was active in many extra curricular activities at school edith was active in many extra curricular activities at school including Scholastic Crime Solvers, FFA, National Honor including Scholastic Crime Solvers, FFA, National Honor Society, DECA, ACT 100 Milers, Ruiteens and was a member Society, DECA, ACT 100 Milers, Ruiteens and was a member of the Varsity Softball team. of the Varsity Softball team.

Joseph Rowlandis the son of Pastor Robert and Johanna Rowland. Joseph will be attending Liberty University and will study business. He is undecided on an exact major but is interested in market-ing and finance. Joseph served twice as a class officer and was active with Relay for Life and the Christmas Sharing Founda-tion.

The funds for the scholarships awarded each year are derived from the annual Din-widdie County Christmas Parade, held the second Saturday of December and from generous donations from membership. These $500 Scholarships are sent directly to

the school the student will be attending to aid in paying for books in their first semes-ter. This is the fifth year Dinwiddie Chamber of Commerce has awarded scholarships. Larger scholarships in the future is our goal, however the funding determines the size and quantity of the scholarship award offers. Scholarship applications are generally available through the Dinwiddie County High School Guidance Office and online at www.dinwiddiechamber.org by February 1st each year. For more information on

Dinwiddie Chamber of Commerce Scholarships or to donate to this earmarked fund, please email info@dinwiddiechamber.org or call (804) 861-8774.

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By Sue Kennedy, Dinwiddie County Chamber of Commerce /

Bank of McKenney As the commemoration period march-es on, your local Committee continues to strive to bring education and tourism opportunities related to this time period to our County. The education sub com-mittee has worked diligently to generate interest and make reading materials avail-able to our students and citizens. Your local library and historical society have resources to help with genealogy. Find your Civil War ancestor! Trace his foot-steps during the war, make it a Sunday or weekend drive. Learn about him and his family. Even if you do not have a Civil War soldier in your background, search-ing your roots is fun and can be a family

project. It is like solving a puzzle; you never know where it will lead or what you will uncover! We are a product of our past, learn about it! Our historic Courthouse is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 to 2:00, come by for a tour of this grand old lady who has been around since before the Civil War. We continue to sponsor educational events that are open to the public, some of them at no cost to attendees. At certain functions we have members participating in period dress, check us out. Watch for upcoming events and visit us at www.DiscoverDinwiddie.com and LIKE us on Facebook at Dinwiddie County Civil War Sesquicentennial!

Dinwiddie County Civil War Sesquicentennial (2011-2015)

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Chamber Welcomes New Members

Our print shop is a full service printer, which means we can do just about anything.

Our print shop is a full service printer, which means we can do just about anything.

Our print shop is a full service printer, which means we Need creative assistance?

Our print shop is a full service printer, which means we Need creative assistance?

Our print shop is a full service printer, which means we

Do you need help? Do you have a question? Is there anything we can do to serve you better? Please contact us:

Owen Printing Company – Bobby Wyatt, sales 930 Winfield Road • Petersburg, VA 23803

Phone 804-733-0123Fax 804-733-3514

Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Your small business “Building Block” company. Need social media assistance? Don’t want your staff manning facebook all day?

Need organizational assistance for cost effective use of your employees and your own time? Need assistance in branding, marketing, communication? Contact us, we can

help. Small jobs, temporary assistance, or full-time / long term contracts. We can customize a package to fit your individual needs.

We cater to small business. Contact us at info@jeremiah.com or (804) 895-8807.

Watch for our website coming soon

RUFFIN’S VANPOOL, LLCTraveling a distance…Take Ruffin’s Vanpool

Ralph D. Ruffin, President18912 Turkey Egg Road • Dinwiddie, Virginia 23841-2120rralphr@verizon.netTelephone: (804)-691-4760 or (804)-469-4602Facsimile: (804) 469-3421Ruffin’s Vanpool, LLC is a locally minority owned and operated company that places high value on “customer satisfaction.” The company, established in October 2011, is registered with the Commonwealth of Virginia, State Corporation Commission, in Richmond, Virginia. Our goal is “customer satisfaction….going that extra mile to meet our customer’s needs”. We are able to provide our customers with the shortest arrival times, low rates and high quality of customer service. We offer local and long distance services within the Tri-City Petersburg, Colonial Heights, Hopewell, and Richmond metropolitan area; as well as Washington DC Metro Region. Company Profile/Services: Services provided will be on irregular routes and with an irregular schedule. Ruffin’s Vanpool, LLC specializes in transportation service to and from major airports, medical centers, train and bus stations, hotels/motels, community colleges, universi-ties and much, much more. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance for van service to or from Richmond International Airport, Dulles International Airport and Reagan National Airport. Reservations are also available up to 30 days in advance for service to or from Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Richmond, Virginia Union University and Virginia State University, and other surrounding colleges and universities. Our services are prompt, courteous, and on-time service. Our company 6 passenger vans are capable and flexible to meet any and all of your transportation needs to destinations for a fare that is often based on the distance of the trip. We offer transportation services over irregular routes and irregular schedules. Our vans are used for transportation services whether it’s for an individual, for corporate busi-ness reasons, or a group of people. Our services also include private and public airport transportation services for single individuals or groups that require rides to and from the airport. “Traveling a distance…….take Ruffin’s Vanpool.” For additional information, feel free to send us a message at rralphr@verizon.net, or call us at (804)-469-4602 or (804)-691-4760 or facsimile (804)-469-3421 and we will respond promptly. Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm AND “Flexible Business Hours”

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