images danville-pittsylvania county, va: 2009-10

Superior Liquid AssetsRivers and lakes create natural water park

BUILDING ON HERITAGEHistoric districts thrive

with redevelopment

SOME PEOPLE LIVE FOR DRAMA

New Gretna Little Theatre sets stage for success

Video tour of the AAF Tank

Museum

What’s Online

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DANVILLE AND PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VIRGINIA

2009-10 | DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM

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2009-10 EDITION | VOLUME 3

DANVILLE BUSINESS 28 Proactive Approach

Means ProgressEconomic offi cials cast a wide net to capture diverse industries.

32 Biz Briefs

34 Chamber Report

35 Economic Profi le

CONTENTS

FEATURES

10 SUPERIOR LIQUID ASSETSRivers and lakes create a natural water park for residents seeking recreation.

14 BUILDING ON HERITAGEHistoric downtown Danville business and residential districts thrive through redevelopment initiatives.

18 ENTERPRISING EDUCATORSInstitutions of higher learning bolster the area’s progressive economic efforts.

43 SOME PEOPLE LIVE FOR DRAMAGretna Little Theatre is going strong, well into its second season of performances.

47 BANKING ON EDUCATION An in-school credit union branch allows students to combine book learning with real-world experience managing money.

DEPARTMENTS

8 Almanac: a colorful sampling of Danville and Pittsylvania County culture

22 Local Flavor

23 Portfolio: people, places and events that defi ne Danville and Pittsylvania County

36 Image Gallery

41 Health & Wellness

45 Sports & Recreation

49 Community Profi le: facts, stats and important numbers to know

ON THE COVER Smith Mountain Lake Photo by Todd Bennett

DANVILLE DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM 5


®

SENIOR EDITOR LISA BATTLES

COPY EDITOR JOYCE CARUTHERS

ASSOCIATE EDITORS SUSAN CHAPPELL, JESSY YANCEY

STAFF WRITERS CAROL COWAN, KEVIN LITWIN

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DANNY BONVISSUTO,

ANNE GILLEM, MELANIE HILL, DAN MARKHAM, JOE MORRIS

DATA MANAGER CHANDRA BRADSHAW

INTEGRATED MEDIA MANAGER RUTH MARTINEAU

SALES SUPPORT MANAGER CINDY HALL

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER BRIAN McCORD

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS JEFF ADKINS,

TODD BENNETT, ANTONY BOSHIER,

IAN CURCIO, J. KYLE KEENER

PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT MANAGER ANNE WHITLOW

CREATIVE DIRECTOR KEITH HARRIS

ASSOCIATE PRODUCTION DIRECTOR CHRISTINA CARDEN

PRODUCTION PROJECT MANAGERS

MELISSA BRACEWELL, KATIE MIDDENDORF, JILL WYATT

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS LAURA GALLAGHER,

KRIS SEXTON, CANDICE SWEET, VIKKI WILLIAMS

LEAD DESIGNER JANINE MARYLAND

GRAPHIC DESIGN ERICA HINES, ALISON HUNTER,

JESSICA MANNER, AMY NELSON, MARCUS SNYDER

WEB IMPLEMENTATION DIRECTOR ANDY HARTLEY

WEB DESIGN DIRECTOR FRANCO SCARAMUZZA

WEB PROJECT MANAGER YAMEL RUIZ

WEB DESIGN CARL SCHULZ

WEB PRODUCTION JENNIFER GRAVES

COLOR IMAGING TECHNICIAN TWILA ALLEN

AD TRAFFIC MARCIA MILLAR,

PATRICIA MOISAN, RAVEN PETTY

CHAIRMAN GREG THURMAN

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER BOB SCHWARTZMAN

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT RAY LANGEN

SR. V.P./CLIENT DEVELOPMENT JEFF HEEFNER

SR. V.P./SALES CARLA H. THURMAN

SR. V.P./OPERATIONS CASEY E. HESTER

V.P./SALES HERB HARPER

V.P./SALES TODD POTTER

V.P./VISUAL CONTENT MARK FORESTER

V.P./EDITORIAL DIRECTOR TEREE CARUTHERS

V.P./CUSTOM PUBLISHING KIM NEWSOM

MANAGING EDITOR/BUSINESS BILL McMEEKIN

MANAGING EDITOR/COMMUNITY KIM MADLOM

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR NATASHA LORENS

PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR JEFFREY S. OTTO

CONTROLLER CHRIS DUDLEY

ACCOUNTING MORIAH DOMBY, DIANA GUZMAN,

MARIA McFARLAND, LISA OWENS

RECRUITING/TRAINING DIRECTOR SUZY SIMPSON

DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR GARY SMITH

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR YANCEY TURTURICE

IT SERVICE TECHNICIAN RYAN SWEENEY

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER PEGGY BLAKE

SALES SUPPORT RACHAEL GOLDSBERRY

SALES/MARKETING COORDINATOR RACHEL MATHEIS

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY/SALES SUPPORT KRISTY DUNCAN

OFFICE MANAGER SHELLY GRISSOM

RECEPTIONIST LINDA BISHOP

C U S TO M M A G A Z I N E M E D I A

Images Danville and Pittsylvania County is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is

distributed through the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses.

For advertising information or to direct questionsor comments about the magazine, contact

Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080or by e-mail at [email protected].

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce

8653 US Highway 29 • Blairs, VA 24527Phone: (434) 836-6990 • Fax: (434) 836-6955

www.dpchamber.org

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Explore its landscapes, cultural offerings, food and fun.

See its downtown, neighborhoods, parks and attractions.

Experience the history, hot spots and local happenings.

Now Showing in Our Video Gallery

Sit back and enjoy a preview of Danville and Pittsylvania County amenities.

Danville and Pittsylvania County are rated L for Livability


6 DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM DANVILLE



danvillepittsylvaniaco.comTHE DEFINITIVE RELOCATION RESOURCE

What’s Online Onlnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

PHOTOS

FACTS & STATS

RELOCATION

We’ve added even more prize-winning photography to our online gallery. To see these spectacular photos, click on Photo Gallery.

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE

Go online to learn

even more about:

Schools•

Health care•

Utilities•

Parks•

Taxes•

Considering a move to this

community? We can help. Use our

Relocation Tools to discover tips,

including how to make your move

green, advice about moving pets

and help with booking movers.

“Find the good – and praise it.” – Alex Haley (1921-1992), Journal Communications co-founder

Images gives readers a taste of what makes Danville and Pittsylvania Co. tick – from business and education to sports, health care and the arts.

Take a journey into military history with this video tour around the exhibits of the American Armoured Foundation Tank Museum. Watch this and other quick videos in the Interactive section.

AAF TANK MUSEUM

LOCAL FLAVORThe “inn” crowd often chooses The II Georges Inn for special meals. Get a taste of local fl avor in our food section.



www.newcollegeinstitute.org

From Grain to GrapesWhat began more than 120 years ago as a grist

mill serving local farmers is now a scenic vineyard

property serving wine enthusiasts at Tomahawk Mill

Vineyard & Winery.

Confederate veteran James Anderson completed

the old mill and began grinding grain in 1888. The mill

operated for a century until then-owner Walter Crider

closed it and planted a vineyard, producing the first

chardonnay vintage in 1990. Today, Corky and Nancy

Medaglia own the property. The winery hosts several

seasonal events and is open for touring and tasting

March 15 through Dec. 15, Tuesday through Saturday,

from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Radio-Controlled RecreationRadio-controlled racing enthusiasts from all over the country have been

flocking to Cooper’s R/C Race Center in Chatham over the past two decades.

Owned and operated by Norris and Pat Cooper, the business began when

Norris returned home with one radio-controlled car that led to his new

passion. He converted an old country store into a hobby shop and

constructed a dirt oval behind the store. The current facility was

completed in 1987 and features more than 150 indoor pits, with each

equipped with electricity and stools. Cooper’s has hosted numerous

state and national championships, not to mention weekly events for

local racers.

VIRoom, VroomActor Paul Newman‚ who raced

in both amateur and professional

competition‚ once said, “If there’s

a heaven on Earth‚ it’s VIR.”

Partners Harvey Siegel and Connie

Nyholm are intent on maintaining that

reputation for VIRginia International

Raceway, which they reopened in 2000.

VIR offers more than a dozen spectator

racing events annually. Also on site is

the RacePlex Motorsports Industrial Park‚

which has brought jobs and significant

capital investment to the area.

Braves’ Chief Earns HonorThe Danville Braves, the Appalachian League affiliate of the

Atlanta Braves, just marked its 15-year anniversary in 2008 and

had yet another reason to celebrate at the end of the season:

General Manager David Cross was named by his peers as the

league’s Executive of the Year. The award is based on excellence

in marketing, operations, community relations and facility

management. Besides producing several big-name major

leaguers like Jeff Francoeur, Chuck James, Andruw Jones

and Rafael Furcal, the team won four Eastern Division

championships consecutively from 2004 to

2007. Home games are played at American

Legion Post 325 Field in Dan Daniel Park.


Fast Facts The North Theatre,

built in 1947 and restored and reopened in 2005, is the home of the Little Theatre of Danville, as well as a variety of other community performances.

The Danville-Pittsylvania County Fairgrounds in Ringgold is the site of the popular Fall Fair each September. Other events such as a rodeo and truck and tractor pull fill out the calendar.

Danville is mentioned in the opening line of The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, a song first recorded by The Band in 1969 and ranked No. 245 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, published in 2004.

The Amtrak train in Danville can take passengers to New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Atlanta, New Orleans, Birmingham, Ala., and Charlotte, N.C.

Danville has been nicknamed the City of Churches because it has more churches per square mile than any other city in Virginia.

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PITTSYLVANIA

Smith Mountain Lake

Leesville Lake

Callands

PenhookkhohoPenhPenho

Chatham

Blairs

Hurt

Gretna

Danville

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POPULATION Danville: 44,947

(2007 Estimate)

Pittsylvania County: 61,123

(2008 Estimate)

LOCATIONDanville and Pittsylvania

County are in south-central

Virginia on the Virginia-North

Carolina border.

BEGINNINGSThe first white settlement

occurred in 1792 and was

named Wynne’s Falls, after

the first settler. The village

was renamed Danville by act

of the Virginia Legislature in

1793, and a charter was

enacted in 1833.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONDanville Pittsylvania County

Chamber of Commerce

8653 U.S. Highway 29

P.O. Box 99

Blairs, VA 24527

Phone: (434) 836-6990

Fax: (434) 836-6955

www.dpchamber.org

Danville and Pittsylvania County At A Glance

What’s Online eTake a virtual tour of Danville, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at danvillepittsylvaniaco.com.

Danville

Mansion Artfully Showcases History

History buffs and art aficionados alike

appreciate the Sutherlin Mansion, located

on Millionaires Row in Danville. The home

of tobacco entrepreneur and former Danville

mayor Maj. William Sutherlin today houses

the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and

History and also is known as the site from

which Confederate President Jefferson

Davis penned and delivered his final

proclamation to the Confederacy.

The Sutherlins opened their home to Davis

and the Confederate government after

Richmond fell to the Federal army. Thus,

Danville is known as the Last Capital of the

Confederacy, serving as the government

seat from April 3-10, 1865.


Almanac


W ith the Dan River snaking through the southern half of the county and the dual lakes of Smith Mountain and Leesville to the north, Pittsylvania County suffers no

shortage of fun for outdoor enthusiasts. The river that gave Danville its name remains at the heart

of recreational activities – in and out of the water. The Dan River borders several of the community’s parks, including the 150-acre Dan Daniel Memorial, Anglers, Abreu-Grogan and Camilla Williams parks.

One of the chief pursuits on the Dan River is paddling, with canoeists and kayakers visiting from all over the region to take advantage of this natural treasure.

When the weather warms, Danville’s parks, recreation and tourism department leads weekly kayaking trips on the river. One trip that leaves from Abreu-Grogan features a calm paddle where participants can bask in the scenery, while those seeking a faster moving journey may opt for the class II rapids

RIVERS AND LAKES CREATE A NATURAL WATER PARK

STORY BY DAN MARKHAM

Assets

The Dan River is a favorite fishing spot for local anglers. Left: Residents and visitors love Smith Mountain Lake’s spectacular views and recreation options. PHOTO BY TODD BENNETTIA

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Superior Liquid


offered by the Dan Daniel-to-Anglers Park trip. “There are different scenarios and scenery on each trip,”

says Jason Bookheimer, assistant director for outdoor activities for the parks department.

And the paddling opportunities aren’t limited to the Dan. Additional courses on the Staunton and Roanoke rivers and other waterways provide further challenges for hundreds of canoeists and kayakers.

Along the way, these paddlers are sure to run into local residents working the county’s waters for any number of freshwater fish. Channel catfish are a year-round specialty of the Dan River, while white perch, striped bass and blue catfish run in season, according to Dan Wilson of the Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries.

On the other side of the county, thousands make their home on the dual lakes of Smith Mountain and Leesville lakes.

Smith Mountain Lake was created when Smith Mountain Gap was dammed in 1961. Leesville Lake was formed at the same time with the construction of Leesville Dam.

Smith Mountain is the larger of the two lakes, a 40-mile long body with 500 miles of shoreline and reaching into three counties: Pittsylvania, Bedford and Franklin. More than 18,000 Virginians make their homes around the lake.

Smith Mountain offers a variety of water activities, including fishing, swimming and boating, plus even more activities along the shore.

In contrast to Smith Mountain, the growth along Leesville Lake, which divides Pittsylvania and Bedford counties, has been more relaxed.

“Development has really taken off in the last 10 years, but it was 20-25 years behind Smith Mountain,” says Kyle Goldsmith, who handles development of lake properties for Eagle Pointe Shores. “It will never see the level of development or density as Smith Mountain.”

But the 17-mile long lake, with 110 miles of shoreline, offers almost everything that its big brother does.

The lake is a favorite of motorboat enthusiasts, with water skiing, jet skis and pontoon boats all getting regular use on the water. The lake has a mixture of private communities and publicly available sites, including four public boat launches.

The fishing also is good, with the state-record striped bass taken from its waters in 2000. And its clean waters, as verified by the state, ensure the great angling will continue.

Surrounding the lake are 200 acres of natural parkland, including miles of walking trails for those who like to get near, but not in, the water.

More than 18,000 Virginians make their homes around the 500 miles of shoreline at scenic Smith Mountain Lake. TO

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Heritage onBuilding


A rchitects and restoration experts often will say an older building has “good bones.” That’s been the word

about downtown Danville for years, and that positive assessment has been paying off noticeably.

Once known as a center for tobacco and textiles, Danville has met the chal-lenge of these industries’ departure with grace. In fact, some of the same structures that once housed these enterprises today are showcasing the ongoing diversifi-cation of the region’s economy.

Many restored tobacco warehouses downtown have been converted into new spaces, including small-business incubation sites, restaurant and retail enterprises, residential units and more.

The various projects, big and small, are breathing new life into the downtown area while keeping its history and charm alive, giving the city and the surrounding region the best of both worlds.

“When you talk about the center of your city, and believe as that goes, so goes the rest of the city, then you need to make downtown important,” says Ben Rippe, the third-generation owner of Rippe’s, a clothing store that has been a downtown landmark for more than a century. “Fortunately, we have city man-agement and economic development people who agree with that.”

Rippe, who has invested in a façade and window redesign for the 102-year-old business and also operates an adjacent

STORY BY JOE MORRISPHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD BENNETT

A careful combination of historic preservation and innovation is evident in downtown Danville.

DANVILLE DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM 15DANVILLE DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM 15

shoe store, brings a unique sense of perspective to the issue. To him, it’s not just that new businesses are being brought in, but that existing space is being repurposed instead of being plowed under.

“The enhancement of downtown and the warehouse district has been building for the last 10 years,” Rippe says. “There are a lot of people living here now, and the properties are selling. There are more businesses here now. We need even more, to bring back the foot traffic, but people are working on that. We are making progress.”

New businesses in the tobacco warehouse district include medical-record cataloging firm Horizontech Inc.; Infinity Global Packaging, a packaging company with such high-profile customers as Ralph Lauren and Armani; and nano-technology provider Luna nanoWorks. U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello and Sen. Jim Webb also have established offices downtown.

In addition, the influx of business has been coupled with a residential renaissance in the downtown area.

“One of the factors in having a successful and vibrant district relies on its diversity and its quality of life,” says Anne Moore-Sparks, project manager for the city’s office of economic develop-ment. “It is important to get a good mix

of people living and working with one another, and we are beginning to realize this vision as it relates to residential development. Now we must continue to focus on providing services for the people living in the district – restaurants, grocery stores and night life.”

Moore-Sparks adds that businesses choose to locate in the downtown district because they appreciate the historic significance of the area and truly want to be part of the revitalization effort. Therefore, they willingly adhere to preservation guidelines.

“In order to maintain the ‘feel’ of downtown and to promote development, the city was aggressive in initiating certain incentive programs that would ultimately protect the integrity of the district,” she says.

Those have included the Façade Program, a 50-50 match on building-front improvements, as well as a state Enterprise Zone designation, which has provided for several different types of grants. Also in the mix are state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits, which can result in a 45 percent tax credit on improvements. Plus, the City of Danville offers a five-year real estate tax abatement to property owners where the assessed value of the building is increased by at least 25 percent through restoration.

Above: Ben Rippe is the third-generation owner of Rippe’s, a mainstay clothing store in downtown Danville for more than 100 years. Below: Burton

Condominiums occupy a former tobacco warehouse in downtown Danville.

“It is important to get a good

mix of people living and

working with one another.”


F rom degree programs in liberal arts and sports medicine to on-the-job training and skills assess-ment, educational opportunities abound in Danville and Pittsylvania County. The community benefits

from several higher education institutions that work closely with local industry to bolster economic efforts – a win-win for students and the community.

An instrumental link between Danville’s academic and economic sectors is Danville Community College. The two-year college offers progressive courses and flexible scheduling, and has expanded educational access through partnerships with area schools, neighborhoods and community organizations. DCC also has taken a lead role in assistance with economic development through partnerships with developers, the Danville-Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce and the business community.

“We consider ourselves an entrepreneurial community college,” says Dr. Carlyle Ramsey, president of Danville Community College. “We’re always trying to anticipate what

our employers need and constantly interact with them. Assisting with economic development is right at the core of who we are.”

DCC is strengthening the local workforce through a significant amount of customized training and industry-specific services, including pre-employment training and skills assessment. In a recent effort to meet the training needs of employers and the community, DCC developed an accelerated advanced manufacturing technician certificate, which allows

INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING BOLSTER ECONOMIC EFFORTS

EducatorsSTORY BY MELANIE HILLPHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD BENNETT

“Assisting with economic

development is right at

the core of who we are.”

Enterprising


The new student center on the campus of Averett University, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2009


students to accumulate 25 credit hours in just 10 weeks.Meanwhile, the region’s only four-year institution, Averett

University, is building on a 150-year tradition of excellence both on campus and throughout the community. Averett consistently has been a pioneer in education, combining strong liberal arts programs with innovative offerings such as aeronautics and equestrian studies. The university also offers business and teacher education programs statewide.

Under the leadership of Dr. Tiffany Franks, who began her tenure as president in 2008, the university is establishing itself as a leader in regional transformation.

“Averett is stepping up to share its brain power with all aspects of our region. We have the intellectual power not only to educate area students but to create the culture of higher learning that can help our region move forward,” Franks says. “We want to be the best partner, the best teacher and the best leader. We want people to be proud of their hometown university.”

Averett’s programs have been expanding to meet the needs

of local employers. The Lunchbox University program brings the classroom to employees on site, and classes also are offered at The Southern Virginia Higher Education Center in South Boston and The Franklin Center in Rocky Mount. The university has teamed with other local institutions to develop an autism education program and is working to establish a Center for Excellence in Athletic Training that will make Danville a key destination for first-class sports medicine services and conferences.

Another key player is the Danville Regional Medical Center School of Health Professions, where students are getting real-life experience in the fields of nursing and radiologic technology. And at National College, individuals are gaining skills necessary to enter into professional fields such as accounting and business administration. In addition, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, people are engaged in educational pathway programs that are strategic-ally aligned with the institute’s research centers in polymers, engineering, horticulture and forestry.


When it comes to choosing a des-tination for special meals, the

“inn” crowd often chooses The II Georges Inn in Danville.

This Victorian-style mansion is a new bed-and-breakfast establishment that also features fine dining, with five-course dinners served on the weekends. The II Georges is named for the fathers of owners Jake and Connie Eckman, whose dads are both named George.

The inn is situated off of Danville’s Millionaires Row. The solid brick Queen Anne mansion was built in 1885 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Eckmans put in 3 1/2 years of renovation in order to bring the structure to its current magnif-icence, which includes period antiques, luxury linens, fireplaces and a historic ambiance.

Today, the Eckmans bill their inn as a romantic getaway with corporate practicality.

Guest rooms at II Georges are $115 from Monday through Thursday, and $135 on Fridays through Sunday. Most weekends require a two-night minimum stay, and all rooms are equipped with a refrigerator, microwave and high speed Internet.

Besides its comfort and charm, the inn has quickly built a reputation for its excellent breakfasts. Each morning, a three-course gourmet meal is served, with menu items such as poached eggs with asparagus, oil-roasted potatoes with chives, banana pancakes with caramel, and fennel sausage patties.

The II Georges Inn serves dinner

Dine With the Inn CrowdHISTORIC MANSION BECOMES A CHOICE DESTINATION FOR SPECIAL MEALS

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to the general public on Friday and Saturday nights. No walk-ins are taken, and reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.

Dinner items can range from appe-tizers such as chilled plum soup, extra

large shrimp and chocolate bread pudding with cinnamon, to luscious desserts such as Gugelhopf cake with Grand Marnier-infused strawberries and cream.

– Kevin Litwin


Local Flavor

Melissa Charles knows about par-ties. After all, she attended many

as an actress and member of the Screen Actors Guild.

But after working in New York and Hollywood, Charles decided to move with her husband, Matt, to Danville. She now operates The Invitation Destination on Main Street. Both Melissa and Matt had ties to Danville, so the return home was an easy one for both of them.

As for the new business, it is located in a renovated building space in the downtown district and specializes in fine stationery along with party and wedding services.

“I opened in downtown Danville on

Valentine’s Day 2009, and things have been going very well so far,” Charles says. “Besides having a theatrical back-ground, I am also good at computer design, so both help me in coming up with distinctive invitations for a bride and groom’s special day.”

Charles first began designing invi-tations seven years ago for her own wedding, and admits that she is a stickler for small details – noting their importance in pulling off a successful grand event.

“I help customers not only with invitations but gift items for the bridesmaids, unity candles and so forth,” Charles says. “About the only things I don’t do is make the wedding

gown and bake the cake.”And besides weddings, The Invitation

Destination can schedule and host Princess Tea Parties for young ladies and help anyone plan an anniversary party, retirement party, birthday party, housewarming, baby shower, gradua-tion party, open house or any other event.

The parties can also take place inside The Invitation Destination building itself. Charles also arranges for all catering services, provides linens and tableware, customizes gifts and favors, and even cleans up when the party is over.

“A customer’s job is to simply show up and enjoy the event,” she says.

Issuing a Standing InvitationNEW DOWNTOWN BUSINESS SPECIALIZES IN WEDDINGS, PARTIES AND STATIONERY

Princess Tea Parties for young ladies are among the many offerings of The Invitation Destination in Danville.


Portfolio

Now That’s a Main Street

Thanks a million, tobacco and textile executives of the late 1800s.

Millionaires Row is a long section of Main Street near the heart of Danville that features several blocks of ornate, historic homes that were once owned by wealthy tobacco and textile leaders. Most of the homes have been beautifully restored or are currently undergoing restoration projects.

The impressive row of stately man-sions stretches from the W. L. Robinson House at 753 Main St., to the R. Addison

Schoolfield House at 1124 Main St. An abundance of architectural styles grace homes in the area, including Georgian, Italianate, American Picturesque, French Renaissance Chateaux, New-Classical Revival and Queen Anne.

Millionaires Row also features five distinctive churches, elegant contribu-tions to Danville’s status as the City of Churches.

One of the churches is Main Street United Methodist Church, built in 1868 and located at 767 Main St. The

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The Lawson Overbey Inn Bed and Breakfast on Millionaires Row

What’s Online eVisit danvillepittsylvaniaco.com to watch video of the residential renaissance happening on Millionaires Row.

prominent landmark is visible from virtually anywhere downtown, and its unusual Romanesque Revival-style with round towers and turrets has helped place it on the National Register of Historic Places.

Another classic church is the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, constructed in 1879 and situated at 781 Main St. The stucco Gothic Revival structure with arch windows and doors is where Confederate President Jefferson Davis worshiped during the final days of the Civil War.

A couple of mansions that are prom-inent along Millionaires’ Row are the Lanier House, built in 1830 for Capt. James Lanier, Danville’s first mayor; and the Dr. Bruce James House, a Queen Anne mansion constructed in 1899 where three physicians have maintained their residence and offices over the years.

Even a former town coroner, Jacob Davis, made his home here: The Jacob Davis House, was built in 1853 as a cottage with Italianate details.


Portfolio


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For Life, For Home, For Auto,

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793-5122

Welcome to Where Fun Is a Science

Schools aren’t the only education resource in Danville these days, and

there is a place where kids – and their parents – can go where science is especially fun.

The Danville Science Center welcomes more than 25,000 visitors each year, offering a variety of program ming for children and adults alike. Many of the exhibits are hands on, meaning that kids of all ages can become even more engrossed in the colorful displays of learning.

The center originated from an idea in 1993 when Danville resident Virginia Vincent said to her son-in-law, Walter R.T. Witschey, director of the Science Museum of Virginia, “You ought to build a science center in Danville.” Witschey and Jerry Fisher, Danville’s community development director, ran with the idea. Eventually, a city-owned 1899 train station was renovated to become part of the science center.

The facility officially opened in December 1995 with the center’s first permanent exhibition, which was titled Fundamentals of Science.

Today, more than 25 displays are rotated throughout each year to keep the center fresh. One of the most popular permanent exhibits is the It’s Butterflies Galore showcase. The display is a major draw each April when the butterflies break out of their cocoons and flitter about a large area within the center.

Upcoming plans for the Danville Science Center include the addition of an IMAX theater, which will allow the staff to show many movies to school groups that can reserve specific times for the airings. The center already draws attendance from a 100-mile radius, but the IMAX opening will enhance its ability to draw from well outside the region.

Plans are for construction of the IMAX theater to begin in late 2009 or early 2010, and the Science Museum of Virginia has already listed it as a priority project.

Danville Science Center

What’s Online eSee video of the Danville Science Center at danvillepittsylvaniaco.com.



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Carter Bank & Trust

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Bank Services of Virginia, Inc. Locations

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Forget about athletes and movie stars being heroes. People such as the

Danville Lifesaving and First Aid Crew more than fit the bill here.

The crew is an all-volunteer organ-ization consisting of 115 Danville citizens who respond to life-threatening emergency calls, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The lifesaving group was called into action 5,541 times in 2008.

“It is incredible how much time and dedication these volunteers give. They are the greatest group of people I’ve ever been associated with,” says David Price, executive director of the Danville Lifesaving and First Aid Crew. “The volunteers are doctors, lawyers, nurses, ministers, business owners and private citizens who have a desire to train hard and ultimately learn how to respond to emergencies.”

Every time a 911 call is made in Danville, a dispatcher at the police department determines the severity of the situation. If it is indeed life-threatening, the Danville Lifesaving and First Aid Crew is contacted to handle the situation.

“If a citizen has a heart attack or stroke, then we are dispatched, but if

someone broke their wrist and can’t drive to the hospital, we won’t respond because it isn’t life-threatening,” Price says. “We answer about 450 calls annually regarding vehicle wrecks, and extract 60-100 people each year from their cars and trucks. Danville also has a river running through town, so we have a special operations team con-sisting of 16 master divers who respond if a car goes into the river or if someone is drowning.”

The nonprofit group, which is a

United Way agency, has an annual budget of $650,000 that helps pay for equipment. That equipment includes 14 vehicles, of which seven are ambu-lances and two are crash trucks.

“The volunteers serve free of charge and must work four eight-hour shifts each month at one of our two head-quarter stations,” Price says. “We put out fires, perform emergency medical services and respond to wrecks. This is quite a group of Danville residents.”

– Stories by Kevin Litwin

Honoring First-Rate First Responders


Portfolio

www.groups.experiencevir.com

www.groups.experiencevir.com

ProgressProactive

ECONOMIC OFFICIALS CAST WIDE NET TO CAPTURE DIVERSE INDUSTRIES

Approach Means


Business

D anville’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy are bearing fruit in the current climate, as new industry clusters are proving to be durable and flexible during a slow time.

As stalwarts like tobacco and textiles declined, city officials wasted no time marketing now-empty warehouses as build-to-suit facilities for smaller, startup firms as well as global companies looking to establish a U.S. presence. More often than not, the property got a new tenant, the site came back onto the tax rolls and new jobs were created.

“We had plans to diversify our economy. We were determined not to lose focus as we did so, though, so we have created six areas, or clusters, to look at as we work to be multidimensional,” says Jeremy Stratton, director of Danville’s economic develop-ment office.

Those areas are automotive alternative energy components; aerospace; pharmaceutical and biotech; food and beverage; plastics and polymers; and information technology as it applies to back-office and data center sites. The diversity contained in those areas, Stratton says, will move the community forward even as it builds on current successes.

“We had the Cane Creek Centre, where the city and county

STORY BY JOE MORRISPHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD BENNETT

Bringing advanced technology and top-notch talent to the region, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research is a catalyst for economic transformation.


worked together to develop that 900-acre site,” he says. “We learned from working with companies looking at sites that we had to have one ready, with the environmental work done and the roads in, before we could really compete. By having all that done, we were in a perfect position for Swedwood, because they were going to North Carolina, but our site was ready first. That’s a big part of how we got them here.”

Others were lured by various incentive packages, which included, but were not limited to, workforce training assis-tance. That certainly was a bonus for EBI Inc., which opened in November 2008 with 100 employees and already is increasing staffing on target with its goal of 300 employees within three years.

“Everyone here has been very helpful, and we see a lot of potential growth,” says Angelika Matczak, general manager. “We have implemented two production lines and already are growing after six months. The city and Danville Community College have been very helpful with our new hires, and that helps us with our long-range plans.”

Swedwood Danville LLC, which builds furniture com-ponents for IKEA, is one of many new international players

here. Many have settled in the Cyber Park, which also houses Donnachaidh Associates LLC, NextGen Aeronautics Inc. and Canadian Bank Note Secure Technologies, which will produce the state’s new, secure driver’s licenses from its facility.

Several of the tech companies were attracted in part by the proximity to and accessibility of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, which Stratton says can be used in tandem with other tech centers in the vicinity as a strong recruiting tool for high-tech firms.

“We always want to tie in with the companies that are working there,” he says. “And we also showcase our Cyber Park as well as the nearby Research Triangle Park area, because what we have in research at these sites really resonates with these clients.”

“We had plans to diversify

our economy.”


Swedwood Danville LLC builds components for furniture manufacturer IKEA and employs close to 300 people.


Biz BriefsBUSINESSES – BOTH LARGE AND SMALL – THAT HELP DEFINE DANVILLE

AND PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY’S ECONOMIC CLIMATE

NESTLE USA INC.Biz: food manufacturerBuzz: Nestle USA Inc. has been manufacturing refrigerated pastas, sauces and cookie dough since 1987 at its facility here in Airside Industrial Park and employs approximately 500 people. The Danville facility also is one of two Nestle factories – and just a few hundred nationwide – that are part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Environmental Performance Track program.www.nestleusa.com

BEN DAVID JEWELERS Biz: jewelersBuzz: Ben David Jewelers is a family-owned business celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2009. The business’s superstore in Danville showcases the area’s largest selection of diamonds and fine jewelry in an elegant yet comfortable environment. Leon and Mark David own the business, which has been the recipient of numerous community service awards over the years. www.bendavidjewelers.com

ScorecardBUSINESS AT

A GLANCE

$979,889Retail sales ($1,000)

$19,196Retail sales

per capita

$101,868Accommodations

and food service

sales ($1,000)

6,406Total number

of firms

Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts


Business

www.nestleusa.com

www.bendavidjewelers.com

Fueling Fast Friendships in the Southside for Over 50 Years

ABERCROMBIE OIL COMPANY

www.abercrombieoil.com

SMITH MOUNTAIN FARM & STABLES LLCBiz: horseback riding excursionsBuzz: Smith Mountain Farm & Stables, located in Sandy Level, offers cabin rentals and horseback riding excursions to individuals as well as organizations seeking team-building opportunities. They offer a horse camp for ages 8 and older and recently have added horse-boarding services.www.smithmountainstables.com

REYNOLDS-CLARK DEVELOPMENT INC.Biz: engineering consulting Buzz: Founded in 2004 in the small town of Gretna by Gretchen Clark, P.E., Timothy Reynolds, P.E. and Patti Reynolds, this firm has earned a stellar reputation, landing state and multistate contracts. Its services include site and utility design, storm water management and environmental planning. www.reynoldsclarkdevelopment.com

THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO.Biz: tire manufacturerBuzz: Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is Danville’s largest employer. More than 2,000 people from throughout the Southside Virginia region work at the plant. Since 1966, the facility has been regarded as the world’s largest and most modern plant for manufacturing truck and aircraft tires.www.goodyear.com


www.abercrombieoil.com

T he Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce earned national recognition in March

2009 as recipient of the W.O. Lawton Business Leadership Award.

The prestigious award, one of two bestowed annually by the National Association of Workforce Boards, was presented to the chamber at the NAWB Forum in Washington.

The honor recognizes the leadership of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce in increasing the vibrancy of the local workforce and economy and elevating the relevancy of the West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board among area businesses, economic developers, educators and public and private funding organizations.

The chamber outshined competition that included Aetna Capital, Lockheed Martin Aviation and Lear Corp.

“I want to give credit to the workforce investment board for nominating us,” says Laurie Moran, president of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. “The nomination was a tremendous honor in and of itself.”

The chamber has worked with the WPWIB on a number of successful projects, Moran says, such as helping secure a federally funded regional inno-vation grant of $250,000 to address significant local manufacturing layoffs.

The chamber also helped bring an additional $1.5 million to the region from the National Fund for Workforce Solutions. Among some 20 regional organizations selected to partner with this national workforce-funding interme-diary, the Dan River Region Collaborative is one of only two located in a rural area. The Community Foundation of the

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The Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce staff consists of, from

left, Lynnette Lawson, Laurie Moran and Donna Ashworth. Not pictured are Sara Garrett and Judy Keesee. T

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CHAMBER’S EFFORTS EARN NATIONAL RECOGNITION

Leading the Way for the Workforce

Dan River Region serves as its fiscal agent, and the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce is the project lead.

Finally, the chamber helped the WPWIB address pressing local work-force needs with a solution that also benefits displaced workers.

“We worked with the community college to create a manufacturing technician certificate,” Moran says. “We brought in employers and educators to devise an 11-week intensive program modeled on a work day. So far, more than 100 people have completed the program, which is heading into its third year. Hiring for participants is in excess of 80 percent.”

Maximizing workforce efforts through collaboration with other key organiza-tions remains a primary goal of the chamber as it continues to serve its 720-member businesses.

– Carol Cowan


Business | Chamber Report

www.opbizz.com

BUSINESS CLIMATEDanville and Pittsylvania County have some of the most innovative

incentives and business development programs in the nation. These

programs encourage growth and prosperity within the region’s

existing economy and bring new business investment to the area.

DANVILLE AND PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY

TAX STRUCTURE

1%Local Sales and Use Tax

4%State Sales Tax

TRANSPORTATION

Danville Regional Airport(434) 799-5110

www.danville-va.gov

ECONOMIC RESOURCES

Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce8653 U.S. Hwy. 29

Blairs, VA 24527

(434) 836-6990

www.dpchamber.org

Danville Economic Development 427 Patton St., P.O. Box 3300

Danville, VA 24543

(434) 793-1753

www.discoverdanville.com

Pittsylvania County Economic Development34 N. Main St., P.O. Box 1122

Chatham, VA 24531

(434) 432-1669

www.pittced.com

GOVERNMENT OFFICES

City of DanvilleMunicipal Building

427 Patton St.

(434) 799-5100

www.danville-va.gov

Pittsylvania County21 N. Main St.Chatham, VA 24531(434) 432-7700www.pittgov.org

INDUSTRIAL SITES

Site Selection and Available Properties(434) 432-1669, (434) 793-1753

DANVILLE MSA LABOR FORCE DATA

(May 2009)

Civilian Labor Force, 52,823 Employment, 45,965 Unemployment, 6,858 Rate, 13%

MORE ONLINE


More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

E OOOOOOOO

MAJOR EMPLOYERS

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company 2,000

Pittsylvania County School System 1,531

Danville Regional Medical Center 1,339

Danville Public Schools 1,289

City of Danville 1,252

Telvista 780

Nestle USA, Inc. 575

Wal-Mart 474

Unique Industries 425

Averett University 400

Roman Eagle Memorial Home 363

Danville Community College 356

Swedwood 292

CIT 280

Intertape Polymer Group 275

A.C. Furniture, Inc. 275

American National Bank 272

Danville Pittsylvania Community Services 250


Business | Economic Profile


Hargrave Military Academy


Image Gallery

Pruden Hall at Chatham Hall


PHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD BENNETT

An Inn For All Seasons


Image Gallery

What’s Online eVisit danvillepittsylvaniaco.com to see more award-winning photography highlighting the places and people in Danville.

Pittsylvania County Court House


PHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD BENNETT


www.danvilleregional.com

www.healthcareneighbortoneighbor.com

More than 120 years after Danville Regional Medical Center welcomed its first patient, the hospital con-tinues to lead the way in health care for the Dan

River Region. Today, hospital administrators are diligently working to deliver a new level of medical care.

“Commitment to community is a principle Danville Regional Medical Center holds in very high regard,“ says Jerel Humphrey, chief executive officer. “Over the years, we have worked to secure the best physicians, the newest technology and to establish the important partnerships that will secure the future of this hospital for patients and the community.”

It’s a commitment he’s taking to heart. In 2008, Humphrey announced a renewed relationship with Duke University Heart Center, ensuring enhanced quality and services for cardiovascular care. Also known as the Heart Center of the Piedmont, the program will include the development, support and delivery of inpatient and outpatient cardiac services, cardiovascular surgery, diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization, vascular surgery, vascular intervention, and other cardiac diagnostic procedures and medical services.

Throughout the anticipated 10-year affiliation agreement, the Duke Heart Center will provide quality oversight for DRMC, with both organizations working to help expand cardiac services in the region.

In 2009, DRMC made headlines yet again with an announce ment to begin medical residency programs through a partnership with the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine. In addition, the medical center has undergone nearly $7 million in facility improvements in recent years, including additional patient f loors, expansion of the Center for Radiation Oncology Center, renovation of inpatient rehab and a new Wound Healing Center. The hospital has also received an impressive technology upgrade that includes a 64-slice CT scanner, new anesthesia and laboratory equipment at the hospital, digital mammography at Danville Diagnostic Imaging Center, and 3D/4D ultrasound technology at Piedmont Women’s Health Specialists.

Humphrey says the hospital also has placed an intense focus on physician recruitment for primary care and sub-specialists. In 2008, DRMC welcomed 10 new physicians with specialties ranging from nephrology and neurology to orthopedic sur-gery. In 2009, DRMC welcomed a team of highly trained hospitalists – physicians responsible for the comprehensive care of hospitalized patients.

“Our goal is to deliver the best health care available in the greater Dan River Region as we seek to make our community healthier,” Humphrey says.

– Melanie Hill

A Heart for Health CareRENEWED RELATIONSHIP WITH DUKE EXEMPLIFIES DRMC’S COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

Danville Regional Medical Center has served the community for more than 120 years. PHOTO BY TODD BENNETT


Health & Wellness

“Spirit to Serve”

“Stay with Someone You Know”

(800) GOODYEAR

Making quality aircraft and truck/bus tires since 1966


www.courtyard.com

www.hiexpress.com

Theater is in Janina Shoemaker’s blood, and that’s good news for appreciative Gretna residents, who have welcomed her with open arms.

Shoemaker and her husband, Hal, moved to the area in 2007 from Florida and immediately set out to bring commu-nity theater to the area. Just two years later, the Gretna Little Theatre is going strong in its second season of performances.

“We were looking for a small town where we could be a part of the community,” says Janina Shoemaker, executive director of the Gretna Little Theatre. “We were looking for a retirement home. We’re very happy here in Gretna.”

Although the Shoemakers may have moved here with retirement in mind, they have hardly been idle. Both have had long careers teaching at the college level with involvement in theater wherever they lived.

“When we moved here, we knew there was no community theater in Gretna. We just put a notice in the newspaper that

Some People Live for DramaCOUPLE WORKS TIRELESSLY TO BRING COMMUNITY THEATER TO GRETNA

we were getting ready to start a community theater and anyone who wanted to be a part of it should come to a meeting,” Shoemaker says. “Not too many came, but the people who did come were really enthusiastic, and we just built on that enthusiasm.

“I’ve been teaching theater, speech and English since the mid-1980s,” Shoemaker adds. “Every place I’ve been, I’ve either been involved in community theater as a performer or producer-director, as well as teaching at the college level and directing plays in college theater. This is nothing new for me. Theater is what makes me tick.”

In its inaugural 2008 season, Gretna Little Theatre per-formed If a Man Answers, The Merry Widow, Curse You, Jack Dalton! and staged a holiday Broadway showcase. The 2009 season featured Romantic Comedy in February, Done to Death in April and The Marriage-Go-Round, a Readers Theatre performance, in May. In Readers Theatre, performers read from a script instead of delivering memorized lines.

Winding up 2009 are All American in August and Sentimental Journey in October. Performances are held in The Gretna Theatre, a 1950s movie theater and former store, which was renovated and reopened in 2006. Rehearsals are at First Baptist Church in Gretna.

Gretna Little Theatre is a nonprofit, and participants are volunteers. GLT splits the box office with The Gretna Theatre, located at 107 N. Main St.

Ticket prices for GLT performances are $10 for musicals and $6.50 for other shows. The main productions are per-formed three times during a weekend.

“We’re drawing basically from the greater Gretna area, but we’ve drawn people from as far away as 30 miles who are coming to be a part of what we do, and we’re drawing our audiences in the same manner,” Shoemaker says. “The community of greater Gretna has been very receptive and very supportive.”

– Anne Gillem

“We’ve drawn people from as

far away as 30 miles ... ”


Arts & Culture


www.averett.edu

www.eve-inc.com

Anative of the small Pittsylvania County community of Grit, Stacy Compton first felt the need for speed at age 6, when he started racing go-carts. He then

worked his way up to late model stock cars at the local Saturday night short tracks.

From there, things literally have been a blur, including a start in NASCAR’s late model stock series, the Winston Racing Series, at age 20, followed by competition in all three of NASCAR’s uppermost racing series.

These days, Compton does as much racing around off the track as he does on it, relishing his new role as owner and driver in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, in which he’ll compete in 25 races in the season that runs from February through November.

“Drivers have a lot of sponsorship commitments, and I’ve got really good people in place to run the day-to-day operations when I’m on the road,” Compton says.

A few years ago, Compton switched to the other side of the camera as lead racing analyst for ESPN but found it hard to be away from his wife and childhood sweetheart, Vickie, and their two daughters, Olivia and Isabella.

“I was missing my little girls pretty bad,” Compton says. “I didn’t want to miss their childhood, so I had to leave the on-air work behind.”

But stopping that doesn’t mean he’s slowed down. Compton also has multiple real estate investments in the region.

“I got involved in real estate about 10 years ago,” Compton says. “I started buying some farms and doing small devel-opments and ended up buying larger pieces of property and putting it in residential development. I have four going now, and two commercial developments are in the Pittsylvania County area with strip centers and car washes and retail spaces. If I’m not racing, I know I’m not the kind of person who can sit behind a desk every day, but I really like looking at a piece of property and figuring out if it’s going to work.”

Wherever his travels take him, Compton will always consider the Pittsylvania County area home.

“My family and I have been all over the country, and there

He’s a Man on the Move NATIVE STACY COMPTON RELISHES ROLE AS NASCAR DRIVER AND OWNER

NASCAR driver and local businessman Stacy Compton

are certainly beautiful areas, but my family is here, my wife’s family is here, and this is a great area to raise a family,” Compton says.

For the future, Compton sees more of the same in both his racing and real estate adventures, and that’s a good thing.

“I’d like to have two truck teams and a NASCAR Sprint Cup team,” he says. “Right now we’re a one-truck team with a lot of potential, but I’d like to grow the race team to be a multi-truck team.” Compton pauses, then adds: “You know what happens when you stand still, right? Everybody’s going to pass you.”

– Danny Bonvissuto


Sports & Recreation

434-792-6561

Mon.-Thu.: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri.: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sat.: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Closed Sunday

BUYING OR SELLING CALL US FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

Gaynelle CrowderRealtor

Wayne JohnsonBroker-Realtor

Gail McGheeRealtor

Charlie CrowderRealtor

Roger FreezeRealtor

Michael ScearceRealtor

Commercial Specialist

Cindy WilliamsRealtor

Allison BuckRealtor

Art Craft Realtor

Allison LavinderRealtor

For tips on real estate and to see homes in our area and nationwide, visit our Web site:

www.cbjrealty.netJohnson Realty


www.bendavidjewelers.com

www.cbjrealty.net

www.national-college.org

Bank on it: George Washington High School students have the opportunity to combine book

learning with real-world experience managing money, thanks to a credit union branch located on the campus.

Students run URW Community Federal Credit Union’s Eagle branch for fellow classmates and faculty, and there are valuable benefits for all.

“We’re exposing students to numer-ous learning opportunities,” says Debbie Sparks, marketing director at URW Community Federal Credit Union. “We want to come in and share some finan-cial education with the students of the community. It’s a win-win situation for everybody.”

A savings account at the Eagle branch can be opened with a $25 deposit, Sparks says. With parental permission, students have the option to open a checking account with $10. They may also apply for a debit card, and they can order checks if they have a larger checking account balance. The branch, which opened at Danville’s GWHS in fall 2007, has been staffed during lunch periods and after school, depending on the availability of student workers. Conven-ience is one of the perks for account holders at the Eagle branch, who can make a withdrawal at school if they have forgotten to bring money for an event, for example.

Eagle branch workers selected by URW receive training during summer months before the school year starts. It is totally student-run, with teacher supervision, after training is complete. Two seniors staffed the branch during the 2008-09 school year and also worked at URW after school. Sparks hopes to

Banking on Education IN-SCHOOL CREDIT UNION BRANCH SERVES STUDENTS AND FACULTY

GWHS student Ebony Stephens helps teacher Chrystal Smith at the URW

Community Federal Credit Union branch located at the school. T

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add a third student, as well as allow juniors to take part, for the 2009-10 school year. Students who work at the branch receive one elective credit.

“It really is a golden opportunity for young people to learn the real-world concept of using a bank,” Sparks says. “So, when they’re out of high school, they don’t have this learning curve to go through. They gain valuable experience in a job venue.”

Mary Beth Jordan worked at the Eagle branch during her senior year, 2008-09, and it solidified her career choice to go into accounting.

“I love my job here,” Jordan says. “It’s a job that keeps me on my toes, and

that’s what I’ve always wanted. It’s a really great experience. I wanted to go into accounting, but I wasn’t sure. Now, I’m absolutely positive.”

In addition to having the branch at GWHS, URW is committed to improving students’ financial knowledge in other ways, Sparks says, such as a high school program on how to buy a car and more basic financial education for elementary school students.

“We have our hearts set on giving back to the community that has been so good to us,” says URW CEO Cheryl Doss. “The organization as a whole is very community-minded.”

– Anne Gillem


Education

Industrial Services

Commercial Services

Engineering Services

Security Installations

614 Fairview N. Chatham, VA 24531

434-432-8520 Fax: 434-432-4472

www.crbelectric.com

visit ouradvertisersAbercrombie Oil Company www.abercrombieoil.com

American National Bank www.amnb.com

Averett University www.averett.edu

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Ben David Jewelers www.bendavidjewelers.com

Coldwell Banker – Johnson Realty of Virginia www.cbjrealty.net

Courtyard Marriott/Holiday Inn Select www.dalyseven.com

CRB Electrical Inc. www.crbelectric.com

Danville Community College www.dcc.vccs.edu

Danville Honda Steve Padgett’s www.mydanvillehonda.com

Danville Regional Medical Center www.danvilleregional.com

Danville-Pittsylvania County Co-Op www.danville-va.us

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National College www.national-college.edu

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New College Institute www.newcollegeinstitute.org

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URW Community Federal Credit Union www.urwfcu.org

Virginia International Raceway www.virclub.com

Wilkins & Co., Realtors www.wilkinsandco.com

Workforce Investment Board www.wpwin.org


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Ad Index 33 ABERCROMBIE OIL COMPANY

44 AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK

44 AVERETT UNIVERSITY

26 BANKERS INSURANCE

46 BEN DAVID JEWELERS

46 COLDWELL BANKER – JOHNSON REALTY OF VIRGINIA

42 COURTYARD MARRIOTT/ HOLIDAY INN SELECT

48 CRB ELECTRICAL INC .

48 DANVILLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

C4 DANVILLE HONDA STEVE PADGETT’S

40 DANVILLE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

2 DANVILLE-PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY CO-OP

44 EVE INC .

42 GOODYEAR

24 INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED LEARNING & RESEARCH

1 MANASCO REALTY

46 NATIONAL COLLEGE

25 NATIONWIDE INSURANCE – J BRANDON SCEARCE

Ad Index (cont.) 7 NEW COLLEGE INSTITUTE

34 OFFICE PLUS BUSINESS CENTRE

C2 PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY

4 URW COMMUNITY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

27 VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

26 WILKINS & CO. , REALTORS

C3 WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD

www.liveunited.org

www.wpwin.org

©2002 American Cancer Society, Inc.

questions answers

8 0 0 . A C S . 2 3 4 5 / c a n c e r . o r g

SNAPSHOTDanville and Pittsylvania County offer a host of simple pleasures

and complex cultural opportunities. Danville is a place where the

city’s past decorates its neighborhoods with Victorian elegance,

yet a progressive current fills the air.

DANVILLE AND PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY

CLIMATE

Danville enjoys a moderate

climate with warm summers

and an average of 6 inches

of snow each winter.

26 FJanuary Low Temperature

47 FJanuary High Temperature

68 FJuly Low Temperature

90 FJuly High Temperature

EDUCATION

Danville and Pittsylvania

County have a variety of

public and private education

options. For a list of schools

and other information, visit

danvillepittsylvaniaco.com.

HEALTH CARE

Danville and Pittsylvania

County are home to a

comprehensive medical

center and a variety of

general practitioners and

specialists. For a breakdown

of medical services, visit

danvillepittsylvaniaco.com.

LOCAL UTILITIES

American Electric Power

(800) 956-4237

City of Danville

(434) 799-5155

Columbia Gas of Virginia

(800) 543-8911

Comcast

(888) 266-2278

Dominion Virginia Power

(888) 667-3000

EMBARQ

(276) 666-1200

Mecklenburg Electric

(434) 656-1288

FairPoint Communications

(434) 656-2291

Pittsylvania County

Service Authority

(434) 836-7135

Southside Electric

(800) 552-2118

Town of Chatham

(434) 432-8153

Town of Gretna

(434) 656-6572

Town of Hurt

(434) 324-4411

MORE ONLINE


More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

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