Images Danville-Pittsylvania County, VA: 2010-11

2010-11 | danvillepittsylvaniaco.com ®

Danville and Pittsylvania County, virginia

Hi, Tech Region prepares strong technical workforce

BASTE ON THE FACTS Local dining scene remains scrumptious

What’s Online See what’s happening in the downtown areas of Pittsylvania County.

sponsored by the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce

Pittsylvania County, Virginia If you are serious about success, then you need to locate your business in Pittsylvania County.

SuCCeSS In MOvIng YOuR PRODuCtS “We are connected to every major industrial hub on the east coast by road, rail or air.

Our product and our people can be almost anywhere in no time.” ~ Anthony M. Gardiner, Materials Manager, Times Fiber Communications Inc. times Fiber Communications

SuCCeSS In ADvAnCeD MAnuFACtuRIng “This area has a rich history in manufacturing, so locating your business here is a logical choice.” ~ Ken Bowman, Director, Pittsylvania County Economic Development IR Flex Corporation

SuCCeSS In lOCAtIng InDuStRIeS AnD buSIneSSeS “Sartomer USA has found recruiting quality, high-value employees like C.E. Murphy (pictured) for its Chatham, Virginia plant easy to do in Pittsylvania County.” ~ Larry Athens, Vice President, Operations, Sartomer USA Sartomer uSA Fiber Optic broadband throughout the County

SuCCeSS In CReAtIng jObS “In Pittsylvania County, we are committed to growing industries and creating jobs.” ~ Hank Davis, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors and Business Owner Olde Dominion Agriculture Complex

www.pittced.com Pittsylvania County Economic Development 34 S. Main St. • P.O. Box 426 • Chatham, VA 24531 Phone: (434) 432-1669 • Toll-free: (800) 491-2842 • Fax: (434) 432-1709

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Danville an d Pittsylvan ia Cou nt y, Virg in ia Project Manager Courtney Seiter Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Content Coordinators Jennifer Graves, Erica Hines Staff Writer Kevin Litwin Copy Editors Lisa Battles, Joyce Caruthers, Jill Wyatt Contributing writers Melanie Hill, Spencer Mohead, jessica walker, betsy williams Media Technology Director Christina Carden Senior Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Jessica Manner, Janine Maryland, Kris Sexton, Candice Sweet, Vikki Williams Media Technology Analysts Chandra Bradshaw, Yamel Hall, Alison Hunter, Marcus Snyder Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier Web Content Managers John Hood, Kim Madlom Web Design Director Franco Scaramuzza Web Designer Leigh Guarin Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants Marcia Millar, Patricia Moisan I.T. Director Yancey Bond I.T. Service Technician Ryan Sweeney Regional Sales Manager Charles Sweeney

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

Sales Support/Community, Business, Custom Rachael Goldsberry Senior Accountant Lisa Owens Accounts Payable Coordinator Maria McFarland Accounts Receivable Coordinator Diana Guzman Office Manager/Accounts Receivable Coordinator Shelly Miller Senior Integrated Media Manager ruth martineau Sales Support Manager Cindy Hall

moving tools 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.

Chairman Greg Thurman President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President Ray Langen Senior V.P./Sales Todd Potter, Carla Thurman Senior V.P./Operations Casey Hester Senior V.P./Client Development Jeff Heefner V.P./Content Development Teree Caruthers V.P./Custom Publishing Kim Newsom V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens V.P./Sales Charles Fitzgibbon, Herb Harper, Jarek Swekosky Controller Chris Dudley Content Director/Travel Publications Susan Chappell

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Content Director/Business Publications Bill McMeekin

In our Interactive section, watch quick videos by our editors and photographers featuring people, places and events.

Marketing Creative Director Keith Harris Distribution Director Gary Smith Sales Recruiter/Trainer Colin Wright Executive Secretary Kristy Duncan Human Resources Manager Peggy Blake Receptionist Linda Bishop

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

“Find the good – and praise it.”

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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 questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by e-mail at info@jnlcom.com.

For more information, contact: Danville 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 Visit images Danville and Pittsylvania County online at danvillepittsylvaniaco.com ©Copyright 2010 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved.

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2010-11 edition | volume 4 ÂŽ

Danville and Pittsylvania County, Virginia

co nte nt s F e atu r e s 10 White Lightning

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Danville’s former White Mill site gains new life as a technology center.

14 hi, tech Region prepares strong technical workforce.

22 the answer is Adaptation Danville and Pittsylvania County business climate prospers.

d e pa r tm e nt s 6 Almanac 18 Photo Essay 26 Biz Briefs 28 Chamber Report 29 Economic Profile 30 Image Gallery 37 Education 39 Health & Wellness 40 Local Flavor: Baste on the Facts 42 Arts & Culture 45 Sports & Recreation 47 Community Profile 48 Photo Finish on the cover Regional Center for Advanced Technology and Training Photo by Todd Bennett

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All or part of this magazine is printed on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

Please recycle this magazine

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Almanac

Welcome to Danville and Pittsylvania County An introduction to the area’s people, places and events

Books And More Averett University is saying good-bye to its old bookstore and hello to a new two-story facility on West Main Street. After receiving a $525,000 donation, the university decided to convert a former home into the new bookstore that will not only serve the university, but the community as well. In addition to textbooks and best-sellers, the store will also have sections of the store available for customers to sit back, relax and read or enjoy a cup of coffee.

Going Green VanDerHyde Dairy is going green. The familyowned dairy in Chatham was recently awarded a $1 million grant to build Virginia’s first anaerobic digester. First introduced in Wisconsin in 2001, the digester is used to turn cow manure into “green power,” producing electricity, bedding and liquid fertilizer.

The $2.5 million project has been in the works for more than five years and the family hopes to put the digester to use soon. In addition to producing energy, the digester will help the VanDerHyde family increase their milk quality, reduce pathogens in spread manure and lower pesticide/herbicide expenses.

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Fast Facts Finger-Licking Good The name Checkered Pig reigns supreme in Danville for barbecue done right.

Famous for its mouth-watering ribs and an array of Southern-style sides, the Checkered Pig has won several awards and has been featured on the Food Network multiple times. Its national competition cooking team also took home the reserve grand champion title in the Food Network’s Great American Barbecue Showdown.

Other menu items include barbecued chicken, garden or tossed salads and a variety of cobblers.

n The DanvillePittsylvania 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. n 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.

In The Works Pittsylvania County officials have broken ground on the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex. In the works for more than two years, the $5.2 million complex will include a 53,000-square-foot indoor arena for horse and cattle shows, a conference center, office space and a farmer’s market.

Several offices will be housed also, including the Pittsylvania County Agricultural Department Office and the Pittsylvania County branch of the Virginia Farm Bureau.

n 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.

Ready, Set, Sing Carnegie Hall: Here they come! The Averett (University) Singers, who have been delighting audiences throughout the community and the region for years, performed at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York in April 2010. The performance featured the major works of Johannes Brahms and Amy M.C. Beach. For more information about The Averett Singers, e-mail Dan Hayes at dhayes@averett.edu or call (800) AVERETT, ext. 17252.

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

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

Explore its landscapes, cultural offerings, food and fun.

See its downtown, neighborhoods, parks and attractions.

Experience the history, hot spots and local happenings.

Danville and Pittsylvania County is rated L for Livability

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Almanac

Staying Connected Danville and Pittsylvania County are connected to the world via a state-of-the-art broadband system called Network Danville or nDanville. The sophisticated fiber optic broadband network will allow digital data, voice and video signals to be transmitted from point to point in Danville at high speeds, as well as to and from world-wide locations via the Internet. Started through a partnership between the City of Danville, Virginia Tech and Pittsylvania County, nDanville will initially be used by the municipal government and public school system.

Later, the partnership hopes to expand the network to businesses, institutions and households.

Danville and Pittsylvania County At A Glance population Danville: 44,437 Pittsylvania County: 61,122 location Danville and Pittsylvania County are in south-central Virginia on the Virginia-North Carolina border. beginnings The first white settlement in what is now Danvilled occurred in 1792 and was named Wynne’s Falls, after the first settler. The village was renamed by act of the Virginia Legislature in 1793, and a charter was enacted in 1833. for more information Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce 8653 U.S. Highway 29 P.O. Box 99 Blairs, VA 24527 Phone: (434) 836-6990 www.dpchamber.org

Danville

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Leesville Lake Smith Mountain Lake

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Penhook Penho Penh ho k Gretna 40 29

Chatham

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PITTSYLVANIA Danville

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Take a virtual tour of Danville, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at danvillepittsylvaniaco.com.

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photo by Todd Bennett

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White

Lightning Danville’s former White Mill site gains new life as a technology center

Story By Betsy Williams

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The vacant White Mill facility (left) is located on the Dan River (right).

Staff Photo

major development involving the long-vacant White Mill is expected to transform Danville’s downtown sector and serve as a lightning rod to lure new jobs and investment to the area.

New owner White Mill Development LLC, which is headed up by Gibbs International Inc. of Spartanburg, S.C., has committed to preserve the historically significant structure, breathing new life into the abandoned former textile mill to the tune of $400 million in capital investment and 400 jobs when the development is complete.

“Our intended use for the building is as a technology center,” says John Gieser, vice president of White Mill Development LLC. In an area with several vacant textile mills, why this building? The 1920s-era building, which has been described as “being built like a bunker,” is a

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“The White Mill development will be a catalyst

photos by Todd Bennett

for other development in our downtown.�

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perfect fit for this use, he says.

“This building was constructed in a way that buildings aren’t anymore, with thick walls, ceilings and floors made almost entirely out of reinforced concrete,” Gieser says. “If you tried to reconstruct this building, it would cost $200 million or more. It’s just a very stout and soundly built building that, quite honestly, would be quite an undertaking to take down. Because of our intended use, which requires a very soundly constructed building, it was a natural fit for what we planned to do with the building.”

Situated on 24 acres along the Dan River, the 660,000 square-foot structure was used for yarn and weaving manufacturing and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it eligible for historic tax

credits. Further enhancing its intended use is that it sits in the path of the Mid-Atlantic broadband network – 700 miles of fiber infrastructure and new investment opportunities for the region.

Gieser says that asbestos and lead paint removal efforts are under way, and work will begin on the interior and exterior of the building in a manner that preserves the historical features of the building. Current plans call for the building to be ready for prospectshowing in mid- to late-2010.

“The White Mill development will be a catalyst for other development in our downtown,” says Jeremy Stratton, Danville’s director of economic development. “Upscale restaurants and pubs, more office functions and niche retail will all be drawn to the area with this type of investment and jobs.

It’s going to have a huge impact.”

The project will require several years to realize the full investment and employment commitments, but the potential has drawn the attention – and funding support – of the Tobacco Commission, the Danville Regional Foundation, the City of Danville and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Among the types of operations that are being targeted are disaster recovery, data processing, software development, and secure data and records storage.

“This building allows us to develop a secure, clean space for the installation of a high concentration of computers and technologies in a building that is developed for that purpose,” Gieser says. “The way the building is built, each floor can be separate with separate access for several different users.”

Left to right: Downtown Danville; The White Mill manufacturing facility is being restored as a high technology center.

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Ready for

More region prepares strong technical workforce

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Story By Betsy Williams

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rom growing a workforce to preparing high-tech work sites, Danville and Pittsylvania County are ready when it comes to recruiting new industry and new jobs.

As home to Virginia’s first mega-site – 3,500 acres of contiguous parcels now under the ownership of the Regional Industrial Facilities Authority – the community is poised to recruit top-level manufacturing sectors, ranging from automobile makers to renewable energy.

“The park makes a significant footprint in the western portion of the county,” says Ken Bowman, Pittsylvania County director of economic development. “The engineering and master plan have been completed, and 10 sites have been established. The largest site, at 1,000 acres, will accommodate a very large industrial user.”

The park offers excellent transportation access and is expected to be designated a certified site this year – an important element in recruitment circles.

“With a project of this size there are always a number of hurdles to overcome in order to make sure this comes together,” Bowman says. “Wetlands delineation, geotechnical exploration and Corps of Engineers involvement are addressed. We are also developing environmental sustainability practices, especially as it relates to protection of

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Wilkins & Co. Opens the Doors to the Dan River Region

Your Home … Your Community You will not find anyone at Wilkins & Co. that is just a “Realtor.” Their lives are woven into the fabric of the community, lending strength and adding touches of color, just where it’s needed most.

Wilkins & Co. is a name you can trust. We will be by your side until the job is done.

Danville 428 Piney Forest Rd. • (434) 797-4007

Chatham 13924 US Hwy. 29 • (434) 432-3009 homes@wilkinsandco.com • www.WilkinsAndCo.com

Making quality aircraft and truck/bus tires since 1966

1901 Goodyear Blvd. • Danville, VA 24541 •

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(800) GOODYEAR

Todd Bennett

the streams and elevated areas located within the park.”

Danville and Pittsylvania County have invested $12 million toward the purchase of the property, but development of the park will cost millions more. “We plan to eat this elephant in small bites,” Bowman says.

“This is a long-term process, and it shows the commitment of the community by sending the message that we are dedicated to bringing new jobs and investment to the area.”

While the mega-site is an important advantage to the area’s growth efforts, it is only one of several industrial and business sites owned by the joint authority. And it isn’t just capital investment that is being targeted;

it is also an elevated skills set.

“We’re stepping it up with advanced manufacturing, ensuring that our workforce is prepared with the skill sets required by industries such as Swedwood that are locating here,” Bowman says.

That’s where Danville Community College steps in and becomes an important partner in the economic development process, especially through the Regional Center for Advanced Technology and Training.

RCATT directly champions the needs of local industries with an emphasis on the latest manufacturing trends, providing a resource that ensures a local and regional workforce capable of supporting the demands of a global, technology-based economy.

“We offer a number of different programs, including team-building, computer skills, lean manufacturing and high-performance manufacturing, all the way to advanced manufacturing, industrial maintenance and polymer technician training,” says Jeff Arnold, interim vice president of workforce services for Danville Community College. “The latest one we are putting together is in nanotechnology training.”

Also on campus is the Advanced Digital Manufacturing Lab, a rapid proto-typing center that allows entrepreneurs and manufacturers to take three-dimensional drawings and produce parts that utilize those drawings – saving thousands of dollars in testing new product designs.

Top right: Swedwood Danville LLC is a furniture manufacturer and subsidiary of IKEA. Bottom right: Map of where the 3,500-acre mega-site will be built in the Berry Hill community.

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Photo Essay

One In A

Million millionaires row is a symbol of danville’s history

Photography By Todd Bennett

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illionaires Row is a long section of Main Street near the heart of Danville that features several blocks of ornate, historic homes with styles ranging from Georgian to Italianate to American picturesque.

Formerly owned by wealthy tobacco and textile leaders during the 1800s, these magnificent, stately mansions have been beautifully restored, with a few currently undergoing restoration.

Five architecturally distinctive churches also line the row, giving Danville the nickname “City of Churches.”

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

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The Answer is

Adaptation Danville and Pittsylvania County business climate prospers

Story By Jessica Walker | Photography By Todd Bennett

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he business climate in Danville-Pittsylvania County is thriving through innovation, preservation and adaptation. Strengths include revitalized downtown business districts in Danville, Gretna and Chatham that are luring new businesses regularly, successful economic development efforts to recruit a diverse group of new industrial and manufacturing companies, and a variety of employee training and education programs.

Downtown Danville, Gretna and Chatham Danville’s downtown transformation in recent years has been dramatic. Improvements include facelifts to many buildings‚ a historic mural program‚ continuing development of a 7.5-mile Riverwalk Trail and niche retail shops.

To counteract the decline of the textile and tobacco industries‚ Danville stepped up revitalization efforts in the mid-2000s with a Downtown Façade Program. Many property owners have taken advantage of the program‚ resulting in façade renovation and restoration projects for scores of buildings downtown.

Seeing a good share of redevelopment is the Tobacco Warehouse District‚ where 160 new housing units are boosting downtown’s residential component and supporting its mix of about 140 specialty retailers‚

service businesses‚ professional offices and eateries.

Meanwhile, Chatham and Gretna are also bolstering their downtown images. Known as “The Prettiest Little Town in Southside Virginia‚” Chatham opened a new community center in 2008 while the Pittsylvania Historical Society has future plans to restore the town’s historic railway station.

Gretna’s downtown‚ likewise‚ is on the move with improvements. Revitalization for a Greater Gretna‚ formed in 2005 by a group of concerned citizens‚ strives to upgrade the entire Gretna downtown district while keeping its current charm of a 1930s Main Street.

Diverse Economy As stalwarts like tobacco and textiles declined in Danville in the late 20th century, city officials worked to market the empty warehouses as build-to-suit facilities for smaller, startup firms as well as global companies looking to establish a U.S. presence.

In order to attract these companies, the city established six new industry clusters, including 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 plan appears to be working. After creating the Cane Creek Centre, a 900-acre regional industrial park, Swedwood Danville LLC chose to open its first United States facility in Danville, as opposed to the location the company was

Right: Bengt Danielsson, president of Swedwood Danville LLC

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Business

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Abercrombie oil compAny www.abercrombieoil.com

Danville, VA – (434) 792-8022 • LP – (434) 793-5811 • Gretna, VA – (434) 656-2250 Martinsville, VA – (276) 632-4131 • Siler City, NC – (919) 742-4165

Fueling Fast Friendships in the Southside for Over 50 Years

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originally considering in North Carolina.

Others were lured by various incentive packages, which included, but were not limited to, workforce training assistance.

Meanwhile, many other international players have settled in Cyber Park, which houses Donnachaidh Associates LLC, NextGen Aeronautics Inc. and Canadian Bank Note Secure Technologies. In addition, many of the tech companies are attracted in part by the proximity to and accessibility of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.

Workforce Career Centers With all of the new companies planting roots in Danville and Pittsylvania County, employers and job-seekers need a place to connect, as do employees with training to develop new skill sets. The Workforce Career Center, located in the Nor-Dan Shopping Center in Danville, with satellite centers on Goode Street and in Chatham, does just that.

The centers focus on assisting individuals looking to sharpen career skills or for employment, while also helping companies seeking qualified workers and serving as coordinators for all workforce resources in the region.

Right: Swedwood Danville LLC

In the Tobacco Warehouse District, 160 new housing units are boosting downtown’s residential component.

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Biz Briefs Businesses – both large and small – that help define Danville and Pittsylvania County’s economic climate

Scorecard Business At A Glance

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

$19,196 Retail sales per capita

$101,868 Accommodation and food service sales ($1,000)

6,406 Total number of firms Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts

My Twinn Biz: Specialty doll manufacturer Buzz: Creating personalized dolls, Chatham company My Twinn aims to recreate the likeness of its clients – children between the ages of three and 12 – based on photographs.

In addition, clients can choose from a variety of eye and hair colors, as well as skin tone and hair length/style. Personal distinctions, such as birthmarks, can also be added to the dolls. www.mytwinn.com 26

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C L L vement

Advanced Vehicle Research Center Biz: Automotive technology research and design Buzz: Promoting alternative fuel research and technology commercialization, the center in Danville works with universities in the Southeast to offer education and outreach opportunities. The company also converts hybrid Toyota Priuses to Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles. www.avrc.com DVF FoodService Biz: Wholesale food distributor Buzz: DVF FoodService in Danville supplies produce, beverages, frozen foods and other items from suppliers to businesses and organizations, including schools, restaurants, convenience stores and health-care companies. The distributor also offers non-food items, such as paper towels and food trays, as well as janitorial supplies. www.dvffoods.com Dewberry Biz: Engineering and architectural firm Buzz: Dewberry is a top employer of young professionals offering services in areas including program management, planning, engineering, architecture and more. The firm serves several organizations, such as colleges and universities, real estate developers and government agencies. www.dewberry.com

on

d pro o o e im W r homlies …

o p Shelving Board et ri sup Premium Lumber in op & Plywood Products r fo t sh Custom & op ine Factory-Line Cabinetry h s ab Granite Sales, op d c t s Installation, Fabrication n ild ! e a u n b s o Custom Veneer Faces r p l u am e e o h r Raised Panel Y Cabinet Doors e d & Drawer Fronts W our y Flooring & Much More!

k c o R

705 River Park Dr. • Danville, VA 24540 • (434) 792-3376 • (800) 872-3793 rockonwoodva@yahoo.com • www.rockonwoodva.com Look for us on Facebook!

Piedmont BioProducts Biz: Renewable fuel creator Buzz: Located in Gretna, Piedmont BioProducts focuses on offering renewable and environmentally friendly sources of fuel. Ultimately, the company strives to offer alternative fuel that can be grown, while also relying less on foreign companies and boosting the nation’s rural economy. www.piedmontbioproducts.com

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Business | Chamber Report

Success Breeds Success Chamber focuses on education and small business

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he Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce is demonstrating success through a variety of innovative programs that are making a difference in the community.

At the top of the list is education, with education grants, meaningful workforce development initiatives and hands-on tools that small businesses

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need to thrive and expand.

“Education has always been important to this chamber,” says Laurie Moran, chamber president and CEO. “This year, thanks to the generosity of the Danville Regional Foundation, we will award more than $125,000 in grants to local educators.”

Requests for the funds will range

from a few hundred dollars to thousands, Moran says, and they promise to enhance the classroom.

“We’ve got some of the brightest and most creative teachers in this community, and we’re excited that we’re going to be able to fund some of their great ideas,” she says.

Working with Danville Community College, the chamber brought together area manufacturers and developed an 11-week training program where the classroom is modeled more like the workplace. At the end of the course, manufacturers have access to all records, so that when they are ready to hire, they have proven information from which to draw.

The majority of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber membership comes from the small business sector, and the chamber works closely with the Dan River Business Development Center, an incubator that assists start-up businesses and those in a growth mode.

“One of the greatest values we provide is the ability to network and meet other businesses,” Moran says.

“Over the past 18 months, we have focused on workshops that help our small businesses refine their networking skills – how to gain prospects, develop the elevator speech and then build relationships that will help them get business.”

Customer service can make or break a business, Moran says, and the chamber has had more than 500 people go through customer service training workshops in the past few months.

“This is a critical issue for business,” Moran says. “Typically, it is what differentiates businesses that succeed from businesses that fail.”

Failure is certainly not part of the program of work of this chamber.

“I believe you have to demonstrate success,” Moran says. “You develop good plans and programs, and if they’re good enough, the funds and the people will come to you.”

– Betsy Williams

Business | Economic Profile

Danville and pittsylvania county Business climate Danville 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.

taxes

5% Sales tax rate

Household income

$43,334 Median household income

$50,398 Average household income

ECONOMIC RESOURCES

73.67% Percentage white collar jobs

26.33% Percentage blue collar jobs

2% Percentage who work at home

Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce 8653 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

BUSINESS & INDUSTRIAL SITE LOCATOR

COLDwELL BANkER COmmERCIAL Johnson Realty of Virginia Inc.

Michael Scearce, Vice President 2321 Riverside Dr. • Danville, VA 24520 (434) 799-4141 Business (434) 489-1444 Cell (434) 799-0625 Fax E-mail: cbjr.mike@gamewood.net

www.cbjrcommercial.com Each office is independently owned and operated

GOVERNMENT OFFICES City of Danville Municipal Building 427 Patton St. (434) 799-5100 www.danville-va.gov Pittsylvania County 21 N. Main St. Chatham, VA 24531 (434) 432-7700 www.pittgov.org

transportation Danville Regional Airport 424 Airport Dr. Danville, VA 24540 (434) 799-5110 Information provided by Onboard Informatics

www.wpwin.org

employment

Pittsylvania County Economic Development 34 N. Main St. P.O. Box 1122 Chatham, VA 24531 (434) 432-1669 www.pittced.com

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Image Gallery

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Visit danvillepittsylvaniaco.com to see more award-winning photography highlighting the places and people in Danville and Pittsylvania County.

Staff Photo

What’s Online 

Fishing the Dan River

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Image Gallery

Butterfly Garden at the Danville Science Center

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photos by Todd Bennett

Most buildings in the Tobacco Warehouse District have been converted into living spaces or businesses.

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Image Gallery

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Todd Bennett

Perkinson Rose Garden at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, also known as the Sutherlin Mansion

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Education

Opportunities Start Early danville and pittsylvania county reap benefits of education synergy

Education options in Danville and Pittsylvania County include two public school systems, a four-year university and a community college, plus professional programs available through other institutions.

5,883 Bachelors Degrees Earned

4,381 Associates Degrees Earned

Todd Bennett

3,550 Graduate Degrees Earned

Public Schools Pittsylvania County Schools include 10 elementary, four middle and four high schools.

PCS schools were recognized in 2009 for outstanding performance.

John L. Hurt, Jr. Elementary received the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence. The State Board of Education gave its VIP Excellence Award to Chatham Elementary, Gretna Elementary, Twin Springs Elementary and Tunstall High.

Danville Public Schools contains nine elementary, three middle and three high schools, as well as Grove Park Preschool and other institutions.

One of DPS’s most impressive institutions is Galileo Magnet High, an International Baccalaureate school.

The Piedmont Governor’s School is an advanced study program offered to gifted 11th and 12th-graders.

Danville Community College 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 DanvillePittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce and the business community.

“We consider ourselves an entrepreneurial community college,” says Dr. Carlyle Ramsey, president. “We’re always trying to anticipate what our employers need … Assisting with economic development is right at the core of who we are.”

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

Other Key Players in Higher Education Other key players that are preparing students to enter into professional fields include the Danville Regional Medical Center School of Health Professions, National College, and The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.

For more information, go to danvillepittsylvaniaco.com.

Claudia Easley leads her first grade class through an exercise at the Woodrow Wilson Magnet School in Danville, VA.

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Health & Wellness

Quality Care, Minds at Ease Drmc and Danville Lifesaving Crew serve residents’ medical needs

Danville and Pittsylvania County residents have peace of mind when it comes to health care, as they have access to the quality care provided by Danville Regional Medical Center and a corps of community volunteers at the ready for emergencies, thanks to the Danville Lifesaving Crew.

Danville Regional Medical Center Danville Regional Medical Center continues to lead the way in health care for Pittsylvania County and the entire Dan River Region.

In 2008, the hospital and Duke University Heart Center announced their renewed relationship, ensuring enhanced quality and services for cardiovascular care. In 2009, DRMC made headlines yet again

with an announcement to begin medical residency programs through a partnership with the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Danville Regional has undergone nearly $7 million in facility improvements in recent years, and has also received a technology upgrade.

In addition, the medical center has also welcomed a team of highly trained hospitalists.

Danville Life Saving Crew The Danville Life Saving Crew, established in 1945, is a volunteer organization providing free emergency response when local residents call 911. Funded largely by corporate donations, the crew also hosts a charity golf tournament each August to help cover its annual operating budget of approximately $500,000.

Visit www.dlsc.org for more.

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Baste on the Facts Mary’s Diner, Midtown Market have delighted local tastebuds for years

Delicious food combined with history and dedication is the recipe for success in Danville and Pittsylvania County. Two businesses that exemplify this success are Mary’s Diner and Midtown Market.

Mary’s Diner

Staff Photo

When Mary Williams opened her one-room diner in 1951‚ she had one goal: serve good‚ home-cooked meals in a Christian atmosphere. A couple of relocations and several expansions later‚ the second, third and now fourth generations of her family are carrying on that tradition.

“She started out in a humble little place‚ and she

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Left: Margaret Valentine works the line at Mary’s Diner.

Right: Midtown Market

da n v i ll e p i t t s y lva n i ac o . c o m

Local Flavor

always said that you give the customers the best food you can give them‚” says Elene Farlow‚ Williams’ daughter. “They know when they come here to eat‚ they’re always getting the same; there’s no changing everything from one month to the next.”

Mary’s Diner quickly outgrew its original location‚ which only seated 25 people. The family moved the business to another location and‚ in 1956‚ constructed a new (and its current) building on Piney Forest Road in Danville where its cafeteria-style serving system was instituted.

“I remember thinking that it wasn’t going to work‚” Farlow says. “I didn’t think people would like it‚ but Mother had a vision. Little did I know.”

Market find a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables, a full-service meat department and specialty items like pimento cheese, boxed lunches, and fruit and hors d’oeuvre trays.

However, it’s Midtown’s chicken salad that has earned the shop fame. Following a recipe created

by Grant’s father more than 40 years ago, the Market prepares and sells 300 pounds of chicken salad each day.

This quaint shop has served up some of the freshest meat, produce and specialty items since opening its doors at 7 Chamber Street on Dec. 21, 1921.

The market has been in the family of owner/ manager Jan Grant Harris since 1952. Brother Gary Grant says the shop’s longevity can be attributed to excellent customer service and a reputation for providing high-quality products.

“We’re always on the lookout for the freshest and the best,” Grant says. Customers to the Midtown

Todd Bennett

Midtown Market

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photos by Todd Bennett

Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History

Tobacco Warehouse District

Arts & Culture

Arts and History Converge Heritage weaves throughout area cultural destinations

The arts scene in Danville and Pittsylvania County showcases the area’s dedication to preserving history, from renovated vintage theaters – the Gretna and North Theatres – to the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, to walking tours of some of the finest examples of Victorian architecture in Virginia.

Gretna Theatre and North Theatre The North Theatre in Danville and the Gretna Theatre 30 miles to the north have been restored to imbue a sense of nostalgia as they serve new generations of audience members. Gretna Theatre offers entertainment geared toward the whole family.

The North Theatre has featured performances by the Danville Concert Association, The Heath Brothers, and local school and dance studios as well as screenings of films. It also anchors The Little Theatre of Danville‚ which has been entertaining audiences with dramas‚ comedies and stage classics since 1948.

Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History Art and history come together most evidently at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History.

The museum is located in the Sutherlin Mansion on Main Street in an area known as Millionaires Row. This Italianate Villa style structure continues to greet generations of guests. The museum is a partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond and houses permanent

exhibits that include Between the Lines: Danville 1861-1865.” Visitors can find an eclectic mix of traveling exhibits featuring local, regional and national artists, or take advantage of tours, art classes and educational programs.

Tobacco Warehouse District The Tobacco Warehouse District is an example of how Danville has taken historically significant structures and repurposed them for modern economic prosperity. In this district where the city’s tobacco industry once thrived, approximately 160 new housing units are bolstering downtown’s residential component and supporting its mix of about 140 retailers‚ businesses‚ professional offices and eateries.

Veterans Artfully Honored A relatively new, aesthetically pleasing addition to the area is the Danville-Pittsylvania County Veterans Memorial at Dan Daniel Memorial Park. The monument salutes all local veterans from the Revolutionary War to the present. The center of the memorial reads in large letters,

“Freedom Is Not Free,” and a seven-foot-high by 156-footlong black granite wall bears the names of more than 1,000 war casualties from this area.

The memorial also includes three flags – the U.S. flag, the Commonwealth of Virginia flag and the POW/MIA flag.

A 10-foot-wide circular brick walkway consists of engraved memorial bricks.

For More Information Gretna theatre 107 Main Street Gretna, VA 24557 (434) 656-3377 http://thegretnatheatre.webs.com north theatre 629 North Main Street Danville, VA 24540 (434) 792 2700 Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History 975 Main Street Danville, VA 24541 (434) 793-5644 www.danvillemuseum.org

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Sports & Recreation

Boat Loads of Fun

Todd Bennett

Danville and Pittsylvania County offer wide range of recreation

Smith Mountain Lake in Penhook

Danville and Pittsylvania County’s recreation opportunities include everything from water sports on the Dan River or local lakes to Danville Science Center programs, combining education, culture and beautiful scenery with opportunities for fitness and exercise.

Rivers and Lakes

Danville Science Center

Crossing at the Dan

Pittsylvania County offers plenty of water-based fun, with the Dan River snaking through the southern half of the county. One of the chief pursuits on the Dan River is paddling, with canoeists and kayakers visiting from all over the region. When the weather warms, Danville’s parks, recreation and tourism department leads weekly kayaking trips on the river.

Trips range from calm paddle to Class II rapids, and courses on the Staunton and Roanoke rivers and other waterways provide further challenges. Local residents enjoy working the waters for freshwater fish, including catfish, white perch, striped bass and more.

The Danville Science Center welcomes more than 25,000 visitors each year. Many of the exhibits are hands-on, engaging kids of all ages in learning. The facility 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.

A centerpiece of downtown Danville and a site for several community events, Crossing at the Dan is a complex of restored old buildings near the Dan River.

The site features a live performance venue called Carrington Pavilion, and nearby are two renovated Southern Railway buildings – now used to house a train station and portions of the Danville Science Center.

Another building, bearing a retro Pepsi logo, is used for public and private events. Crossing at the Dan also serves as one of three trail entry points for the Riverwalk Trail, a 7.5-mile paved path that runs along the Dan River.

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visit our

advertisers Abercrombie Oil Company www.abercrombieoil.com American National Bank www.amnb.com Ashbrook Audiology www.ashbrookaudiology.com Averett University www.averett.edu Centra Medical Group – Danville www.centrahealth.com Coldwell Banker Commercial – Michael Scearce www.cbjrcommercial.com Courtyard Marriott/Holiday Inn Select www.dalyseven.com Danville Community College www.dcc.vccs.edu Danville Honda Steve Padgett’s www.mydanvillehonda.com Danville Regional Medical Center www.danvilleregional.com Danville Surgical Center Inc. Danville-Pittsylvania County Co-Op www.discoverdanville.com Dominion Power www.dom.com Eve Inc. www.eve-inc.com Goodyear www.goodyear.com Institute for Advanced Learning & Research www.ialr.org Manasco Realty www.manasco.com National College www.national-college.edu Nationwide Insurance – W A Wells & Associates www.wawells.com Office Plus Business Centre www.opbizz.com Pittsylvania County www.pittgov.org Raymond James Financial Services Inc. Rock on Wood www.rockonwoodva.com Wilkins & Co., Realtors www.wilkinsandco.com Workforce Investment Board www.wpwin.org

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Community Profile

Danville and pittsylvania county Snapshot Danville 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.

Housing

Health Care

$405

Danville and Pittsylvania County are home to Danville Regional Medical Center, which provides care for the region, and a variety of general practitioners and specialists. For a breakdown of medical services, visit danvillepittsylvaniaco.com.

Estimated Gross Rent Studio

$464 Estimated Gross Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment

Population

44,437

$600 Estimated Gross Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment

NewsPapers

Danville Total Population

Danville Register & Bee (daily) 700 Monument St. Danville, VA 24541 (434) 793-2311

Education

61,122 Pittsylvania County Total Population

climate

87.78 F Average July High

23.65 F Average Jan Low

45 inches Annual Precipitation

Danville and Pittsylvania County have a variety of public and private education options.

The Star-Tribune (weekly) P.O. Box 111 28 N. Main St. Chatham VA 24531 (434) 432-2791

Averett University 420 W. Main St. Danville, VA 24541 (434) 791-5600 Danville Community College 1008 S. Main St. Danville, VA 24541 (434) 797-2222 National College 336 Old Riverside Dr. Danville, VA 24541 (434) 793-6822

attractions From Civil War sites to a Tank Museum to the Danville Science Center, the area offers numerous attractions.

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Photo Finish

T

he Perkinson Rose Garden at the Sutherlin Mansion on Millionaires Row – which now houses the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History – was created and dedicated in 2007.

The mansion was built in 1859 and has become known as the “Last Capitol of the Confederacy” during the final week of the Civil War. In 1974, the house opened as the musuem. It has been designated as a Virginia Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Ad Index

24 Abercrombie Oil Company

36 American National Bank

39 Ashbrook Audiology

44 Averett University

1 Centra Medical Group – Danville

29 Coldwell Banker Commercial – Michael Scearce

36 Courtyard Marriott/ Holiday Inn Select

36 Danville Community College

C4 Danville Honda Steve Padgett’s 41 Danville Surgical Center Inc. 2 Danville-Pittsylvania County Co-Op

C3 Dominion Power

46 Eve Inc.

16 Goodyear

28 Institute for Advanced Learning & Research

24 Manasco Realty

Ad Index (cont.)

46 National College

44 Nationwide Insurance – W A Wells & Associates

44 Office Plus Business Centre

C2 Pittsylvania County

47 Raymond James Financial Services Inc.

27 Rock on Wood

16 Wilkins & Co., Realtors

29 Workforce Investment Board