Martinsville-Henry County, VA: 2008-09

2008-09 | IMAGESMARTINSVILLEHENRYCOUNTY.COM | VIDEO VIGNETTES

MARTINSVILLEHENRY COUNTY

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VIRGINIA

THIS WON’T HURT A BIT Hospital’s expansion attracts new physicians

MOTORSPORTS MECCA Racing industry sets fast pace

One, Two, Three O’Clock Rocks Initiative sets gold standard for after-school programs SPONSORED BY THE MARTINSVILLE-HENRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Clocktower at the Commonwealth Centre

Overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains in Martinsville, VA

L e st e r

D e v e l opm e n t

Regional office, call centers, secure back office and storage warehouse.

For leasing information, contact John Schwartz at (804) 740-1555.

www.havesitewilltravel.com/clocktower-commonwealth

2008-09 EDITION | VOLUME 7

MARTINSVILLEHENRY COUNTY VIRGINIA

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MARTINSVILLE BUSINESS F E AT U R E S 8 ONE, TWO, THREE O’CLOCK ROCKS The MHC After 3 Initiative sets the gold standard for after-school programs.

16 Right Place, Right Time Large- and medium-sized businesses are finding a perfect fit here.

18 Biz Briefs 20 Chamber Report 21 Economic Profile

10 MOTORSPORTS MECCA The motorsports industry is running as smoothly as a fine-tuned engine these days in Martinsville-Henry County.

12 PIECE OF CAKE Pastry chef Derrick Beverly is enjoying sweet success in Ridgeway.

22 EARNING CREDIT WHERE IT’S DUE Local school systems more than make the grade by attaining state accreditation.

24 CREATING CREATIVE SPACE Piedmont Arts Association has been promoting the visual and performing arts in the region for nearly 50 years.

27 THIS WON’T HURT A BIT Memorial Hospital is proving that high-tech medicine can thrive in a small-town setting.

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D E PA R TM E NT S 4 Almanac: a colorful sampling of Martinsville and Henry County’s culture

12 Portfolio: people, places and events that define Martinsville and Henry County

25 Sports & Recreation 29 Community Profile: facts, stats and important numbers to know

33 Membership Directory 37 Business Guide ON THE COVER Photo by Ian Curcio YMCA Mural by MHC After 3 Youth

This magazine is printed entirely or in part on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

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50 Hampton Dr. | Martinsville, VA 24112 (276) 647-4700 | www.hamptoninn.com

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MARTINSVILLEHENRY COUNTY VIRGINIA

SENIOR EDITOR LISA BATTLES COPY EDITOR JOYCE CARUTHERS ASSOCIATE EDITOR SARAH B. GILLIAM ONLINE CONTENT MANAGER MATT BIGELOW EDITORIAL ASSISTANT JESSY YANCEY STAFF WRITERS CAROL COWAN, KEVIN LITWIN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ANNE GILLEM, MELANIE HILL, JOE MORRIS DATABASE PROJECT MANAGER YANCEY TURTURICE DATA MANAGER RANETTA SMITH INTEGRATED MEDIA MANAGER RUTH MARTINEAU SALES SUPPORT MANAGER SARA SARTIN SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER BRIAN M CCORD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS JEFF ADKINS, TODD BENNETT, ANTONY BOSHIER, IAN CURCIO, J. KYLE KEENER, JESSE KNISH PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT ANNE WHITLOW CREATIVE DIRECTOR KEITH HARRIS PRODUCTION DIRECTOR NATASHA LORENS ASST. PRODUCTION DIRECTOR CHRISTINA CARDEN PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR HAZEL RISNER PRODUCTION PROJECT MANAGERS MELISSA HOOVER, KATIE MIDDENDORF, JILL WYATT SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS LAURA GALLAGHER, KRIS SEXTON, VIKKI WILLIAMS LEAD DESIGNER JANINE MARYLAND GRAPHIC DESIGN JESSICA BRAGONIER, ERICA HINES, ALISON HUNTER, AMY NELSON, MARCUS SNYDER, CANDICE SWEET WEB PROJECT MANAGERS ANDY HARTLEY, YAMEL RUIZ WEB DESIGN RYAN DUNLAP, CARL SCHULZ COLOR IMAGING TECHNICIAN TWILA ALLEN AD TRAFFIC MARCIA BANASIK, SARAH MILLER, 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./TRAVEL PUBLISHING SYBIL STEWART V.P./EDITORIAL DIRECTOR TEREE CARUTHERS MANAGING EDITORS/BUSINESS MAURICE FLIESS, BILL McMEEKIN MANAGING EDITOR/COMMUNITY KIM MADLOM MANAGING EDITOR/CUSTOM KIM NEWSOM MANAGING EDITOR/TRAVEL SUSAN CHAPPELL PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR JEFFREY S. OTTO CONTROLLER CHRIS DUDLEY ACCOUNTING MORIAH DOMBY, RICHIE FITZPATRICK, DIANA GUZMAN, MARIA McFARLAND, LISA OWENS RECRUITING/TRAINING DIRECTOR SUZY WALDRIP COMMUNITY PROMOTION DIRECTOR CINDY COMPERRY DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR GARY SMITH IT SYSTEMS DIRECTOR MATT LOCKE IT SERVICE TECHNICIAN RYAN SWEENEY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER PEGGY BLAKE SALES/MARKETING COORDINATOR RACHEL MATHEIS SALES COORDINATOR JENNIFER ALEXANDER EXECUTIVE SECRETARY/SALES SUPPORT KRISTY DUNCAN OFFICE MANAGER SHELLY GRISSOM RECEPTIONIST LINDA BISHOP

CU S TO M M AG A Z INE M ED I A

Martinsville-Henry County is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Martinsville-Henry 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: Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce 115 Broad St. • Martinsville, VA 24114 Phone: (276) 632-6401 • Fax: (276) 632-5059 E-mail: mhccoc@mhcchamber.org www.mhcchamber.com VISIT MARTINSVILLE-HENRY COUNTY ONLINE AT IMAGESMARTINSVILLEHENRYCOUNTY.COM ©Copyright 2008 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

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What’s More lists, links and tips for fo or newcomers n

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WEB SITE EXTRA

MOVING PICTURES VIDEO 1 INSIDE LOOK Join us on a virtual tour of MartinsvilleHenry County through the lenses of our award-winning photographers at imagesmartinsvillehenrycounty.com.

VIDEO 2 MARTINSVILLE MOTORSPORTS Learn about the newest local motorsports addition, Bobby Hamilton Racing-Virginia, at imagesmartinsvillehenrycounty.com.

VIDEO 3 VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY Take a peek inside the new Virginia Museum of Natural History at imagesmartinsvillehenrycounty.com.

PLUS SEARCH OUR ARCHIVES Browse past content by section or search for specific articles by subject.

INSTANT LINKS Read the entire magazine online using our ActiveMagazine™ technology and link instantly to community businesses and services.

EVEN MORE Read full-length versions of the magazine’s articles; find related stories; or read new content exclusive to the Web. Look for the See More Online reference in this issue.

A GREAT PLACE TO GARDEN Wonderful gardens have flourished for 400 years in the Mid-Atlantic. We are blessed with a climate not too hot and not too cold for a variety of garden plants. Find out more at imagesmartinsvillehenrycounty.com.

VIRGINIA CUISINE: AN ECLECTIC MIX Whether you favor hearty fare or more refined cuisine, Virginia is home to an eclectic mix of food to satisfy any palate. A range of regional recipes is ready for the tasting.

Find out more at imagesmartinsvillehenrycounty.com.

A B O U T T H I S M AG A Z I N E Martinsville-Henry County is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is sponsored by the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce. In print and online, Images gives readers a taste of what makes Martinsville-Henry County tick – from business and education to sports, health care and the arts.

“Find the good – and praise it.”

– Alex Haley (1921-1992), Journal Communications co-founder

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Almanac

Try Our Trail Mix Pedal pushers are in abundance in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Mountain biking is a popular pastime in the area, and there is ongoing trail development occurring along the northeast corner of Philpott Lake. That part of the countryside is known as Jamison’s Mill.

In October 2007, a group called Trail Solutions from the International Mountain Biking Association visited the area to assess the land. Trail Solutions is working with the Army Corps of Engineers to make sure Jamison’s Mill develops and remains a great destination for bikers and hikers for years to come.

We Graduated!

Congratulations are in order for the first graduating Co class of New College Institute.

The college in Martinsville graduated 30 students on Dec. 12, 2007. NCI provides local access to third- and fourth-year courses needed to obtain various degrees offered by colleges and universities across Virginia.

Students at NCI must have already completed the first two years of their college course work at a community college or another higher education institution. The first graduating class was enrolled in master’s degree programs in business administration and education through Averett University in Danville.

Animal Magnetism Infinity Acres Alpaca Farm and Petting Ranch in Ridgeway is a paradise for kids – and fun for parents, too.

In addition to alpacas, the farm is home to horses, llamas, goats and sheep. There is also a potbelly pig, baby chicks, ducks and a couple of Canada geese.

The agritourism destination also organizes youth day camps that begin the first week in June, to teach youngsters how to respect and care for the animals.

The weekly camps are limited to 10 children ages 7 to 13 and cost $125 per child.

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Fast Facts

Home Sweet Business Several interesting businesses have set up shop and made themselves at home – in former homes, no less.

A number of these businesses are situated on Ellsworth Street, in a little row of houses. Among the businesses that have been experiencing success in this residential-turned-commercial area is Martha’s. Located at 21 Ellsworth St., Martha’s offers floral bouquets and customized gift baskets.

Other businesses-in-homes on Ellsworth Street include a hair salon, childcare center and the long-standing F&K Security, which installs alarms.

G.E.T. Your G.E.D. When textile manufacturing ended and furniture manufacturing began to slow down in the 1990s, many workers in Martinsville-Henry County were without work.

Several had labored in those industries since their high school days, and some even earlier. For that reason, many of those now-displaced workers had never earned their high school diplomas, or their general education development certificates.

So the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce has initiated a Business IQ program that allows member businesses to receive on-site G.E.D. test training for employees looking to attain the credential. More than 100 individuals have achieved G.E.D. certification through the program, and there are approximately 300 that have been or are currently enrolled.

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Q The Bassett Historical Center on Fairystone Park Highway, part of the Blue Ridge Regional Library System, has been called “The Best Little Library in Virginia” and is a treasure trove for genealogy buffs.

Q Local artist Nicodemus D. Hufford was the creator of the Quaker Oats man, Aunt Jemima and many other famous advertising images.

Q After many years of dormancy, the JuneGerman Ball celebrating black history is again held along the Fayette Street corridor.

Throughout its history, the festival has hosted such world-class talent as Duke Ellington, Chuck Berry and Otis Redding.

Q The Henry County Parks and Recreation Department has opened three access points on the Smith River as part of Smith River Trails. They Sm are located in Bassett, Fieldale and Ridgeway, Fie and are open to the public free of charge. pub West Main Street in QW Uptown Martinsville is Up home to a quality hom farmers’ market. The far market site was built ma by the city in 1999 and features topnotch amenities. not

S SEE MORE ONLINE | For more Fast Facts about F Martinsville-Henry County, M visit imagesmartinsville v henrycounty.com. h

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Almanac

Centre of Attention Spencer-Penn School closed in 2004 due to consolidation of Henry County Schools, but it has come back to life in recent years.

Today, the building that was constructed in 1927 is known as the Spencer-Penn Centre. It rents space for stores, exercise classes, banquets, a dance studio, on-site daycare and wedding receptions.

A group of citizens formed a nonprofit corporation in the 1990s to purchase the old building, then restored and resurrected it as a community center.

The building has since been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Hello, High-Tech May the force be with you – the workforce, that is. The Henry County-Martinsville economy is diversifying these days, transitioning from factory jobs to a more diverse, high-tech climate. Along with that change comes the need for an educated, skilled workforce, and a key agency equipped to develop that workforce is the West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board.

WPWIB helps employers, job seekers and youth on matters of employment, career identification and skills development. It has one center in Martinsville-Henry County, two in Danville and one each in Chatham and Stuart.

Martinsville | At A Glance POPULATION (2006 ESTIMATE) Martinsville: 14,945 Henry County: 55,544 LOCATION Martinsville-Henry County is in south-central Virginia, adjacent to the North Carolina border.

BEGINNINGS Martinsville was named in honor of Gen. Joseph Martin, a distinguished figure in the Revolutionary War and a longtime area resident. Henry County was named for patriot Patrick Henry, who lived in the county from 1778 to 1784.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce 115 Broad St., P.O. Box 709 Martinsville, VA 24114-0709 Phone: (276) 632-6401 Fax: (276) 632-5059 www.martinsville.com

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SEE VIDEO ONLINE | Take a virtual tour of Martinsville-Henry County at www.imagesmartinsvillehenrycounty.com, courtesy of our award-winning photographers.

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One, Two, Three

O’Clock Rocks MHC AFTER 3 INITIATIVE SETS GOLD STANDARD FOR AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

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STORY BY JOE MORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN CURCIO

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he last bell of the day has become an even more welcome sound for some students in Martinsville and Henry County.

After a year’s worth of testing as a pilot program in 2007, the Martinsville-Henry County After 3 Initiative, or MHC After 3, has begun. The after-school program provides area children with educational programming five days each week. One afternoon may include a trip to the Virginia Museum of Natural History, while another may have them creating mural masterpieces on building exteriors.

MHC After 3 was launched after some local organizations discovered that children in the sixth- through eighth-grades were most in need of after-school activities. Businesses and nonprofits stepped up with funding and in-kind services, and MHC After 3 has taken off, says Becky Forestier, assistant director of the YMCA of Martinsville and Henry County, whose two branches serve as a home for the initiative.

“We do programming two days a week, which can be anything from pottery-making to a ‘CSI’ camp,” Forestier says. “The other two days we do tutoring, with certified teachers coming in and doing learning exercises with the children. It’s really a great opportunity not only to have some mentoring, but also to get these kids exposed to a lot of things they normally wouldn’t get to see.”

MHC After 3’s funding comes from The Harvest Foundation, with Patrick Henry Community College overseeing the program’s operations. The program is a shining example of the cooperative spirit in Martinsville-Henry County, with a total of 13 partners collaborating with a common mission.

In addition to the YMCA and PHCC, community partners include the Boys & Girls Club of Martinsville and Henry County, Bassett Community Center, Fieldale Community Center, Spencer Penn Centre, Focus on Youth, MHC Coalition for Health and Wellness, New College Institute, PHCC School of Craft and Design, Blue Ridge Regional Library, Piedmont Arts Association and the Virginia Museum of Natural History.

VMNH Director of Marketing and External Affairs Ryan Barber says the program provides the perfect chance to highlight the museum’s offerings to a key demographic.

“Developing, implementing and evaluating education programming is fundamental to the mission of the museum,” Barber says. “MHC After 3 provided a vehicle to reach more students and be involved with a growing trend in providing

meaningful out-of-school activities for older kids.”

The program’s immediate success – and resulting waiting list – has created exciting new opportunities for Shanna Francisco-King, MHC After 3 program coordinator, who says that her job now is to expand in every possible direction.

“MHC After 3 is an incredible example of the cooperation and collaboration that happens in rural communities,” Francisco-King says. “This program is providing art, academics, athletics … universal enrichment programming.

It’s professionally instructed and mentored: If it’s a woodturning class, the instructor is a master woodworker; if it’s a tour of an art museum, the guide is a docent, artist or director of exhibits. During our poetry writing and dramatic performance programs, they learn that writing isn’t just about sitting down and writing, but also delivery and passion.”

Another plus is that MHC After 3 is free to the participants, so it’s not a strain on already-tight family budgets. And by blending education with entertainment, students enjoy the learning experience, Francisco-King adds.

“It’s fun; that’s the biggest thing. The kids get to hang out with their friends and just be kids,” she says. “The things they learn when they’re with us help them to become more wellrounded people, to develop positively and holistically, and that’s what this is really all about.”

Left: Youth present a puppet show at the Virginia Museum of Natural History, an original partner in the MHC After 3 program. Above: Program Coordinator Shanna Francisco-King demonstrates how to use a GPS device at the museum.

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Motorsports

Mecca RACING INDUSTRY SETS FAST PACE STORY BY KEVIN LITWIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN CURCIO

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hen racing enthusiasts hear the word Martinsville they still think of Martinsville Speedway, as well they should.

The motorsports industry is running as smoothly as a finetuned engine these days in Martinsville-Henry County, and there is no braking in sight.

The .526-mile oval, affectionately known as The Paper Clip, has been hosting NASCAR races since 1949.

Today it welcomes two annual NASCAR Sprint Cup events with each pouring an estimated $30 million into the local economy.

“Go back in time 50 years, and Martinsville was known all over the world for our furniture manufacturing and our textile manufacturing,” says Clay Campbell, president of Martinsville

Speedway. “But in the past five or 10 years, textiles have gone away and furniture manufacturing has been drastically reduced. But Martinsville Speedway remains a reliable constant that continues to grow.”

That growth in 2008 has included doubling the size of the track’s media center and installing a video scoreboard in the infield.

“The scoreboard is 120 feet high and can be seen by each of the 65,000 fans that pack our grandstands for every Sprint Cup race,” Campbell says. “Also in 2008, we removed all asphalt pavement in the pits and put in concrete. It’s all an effort to always provide great entertainment in racing.”

And racing is becoming so much more in Martinsville-Henry County.

In late 2007, Bobby Hamilton Racing relocated its entire operation from Mt. Juliet, Tenn. to Martinsville. After driver

Colorful signage greets guests to Martinsville Speedway. Top right: Clay Campbell is president of Martinsville Speedway, which has been hosting NASCAR races for 60 years. Bottom right: HT Motorsports shop

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Bobby Hamilton succumbed to cancer in January 2007, his wife, Lori, created a partnership with a handful of new owners in Virginia and moved the team to better align with Dodge engineering and Martinsville based-Arrington Manufacturing, known for its strong track record in the industry. Company owner Joey Arrington is one of the new part-owners in the team.

Today, BHR-VA fields the No. 4 and the No. 18 Dodges in the 2008 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. And in a stroke of fate, driver Dennis Setzer drove the No. 18 Dodge to victory at Martinsville Speedway on March 29, 2008.

“We all said after Bobby passed away, if we couldn’t do it with him, then we would do it in honor of him,” Hamilton says. “To win at Martinsville, our new home track, was amazing.”

Near the Arrington Complex is Patrick Henry Community College, which introduced a motorsports program in 2001. Its Virginia Motorsports Technology Center has an enrollment of 80 students.

“Students who know about performance engines, fabrication and car

setup is what racing employers want, so that’s what we teach,” says Jeff Fields, PHCC dean of applied science and engineering technology. “We have some former students now working at Bobby Hamilton Racing and Kevin Harvick Racing. One even became a NASCAR inspector.”

PHCC sponsors a late model car that students build and race at Martinsville Speedway and South Boston Speedway.

Plans are in the works to build an allnew $8.5 million motorsports center on campus in the near future.

“We also partner with Old Dominion University with their four-year bachelor’s degree in motorsports engineering technology,” Fields says. “Students can take two years at PHCC and the final two years at Old Dominion offered in partnership with the New College Institute. Racing is big these days in Martinsville, and our PHCC motorsports students are big into racing.”

SEE VIDEO ONLINE | Learn more about the area’s burgeoning motorsports industry by visiting imagesmartinsvillehenrycounty.com.

Behind the Wheel, Ahead of the Curve

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t’s not wise to eat, drink or talk on the phone behind the wheel, but what about studying?

Hitting the books while making a turn probably won’t happen much at the Academy of Motorsports, but the new venture’s students will spend plenty of time on each activity. The new academy has partnered with VIRginia International Raceway and the Carlisle School and is working with other organizations such as Bobby Hamilton Racing-Virginia to make that happen.

“We wanted to be associated with a local team, and we also wanted to work with Bobby Hamilton Racing Virginia because of their association with Arrington Manufacturing,” says Ken Martin, project manager for the academy. “This partnership connects us with

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several entities, and we’ll be able to take students to see real-life demonstrations.”

Other academy partners include Virginia Tech, Old Dominion University and Patrick Henry Community College. In addition to VIR, students also will spend time at South Boston Speedway and Martinsville Speedway.

Academy students will spend the morning at the Carlisle School for their regular schoolwork, then move to VIR for hands-on studies.

“They’ll be attending an outstanding private school, and then have motorsports as their athletics selection, much like the way a golf or tennis academy operates,” Martin says.

Besides driving instruction and exploring the mechanical side of racing, students also will delve into the off-track side of the business, learning about everything from gathering sponsorships to public relations and advertising.

– Joe Morris

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Portfolio

Piece of Cake Business Plan DERRICK BEVERLY EXPERIENCES SWEET SUCCESS WITH POPULAR RIDGEWAY BAKERY

astry chef Derrick Beverly has come a long way since taking first place in the St. John’s Missionary Church Youth Cake Bake-Off. The baking extraordinaire and former owner of Cakes by Derrick now is owner of the Cake and Dessert Pantry on Ridgeway’s Greensboro Road. While Beverly still follows the delectable recipes made popular by the shop’s original owners, the bakery now offers classes in cake decorating and candy making. Customers also find everything needed to bake the perfect cake, from boxes, boards and kits, to candy- and confection-making supplies. The Cake and Dessert Pantry also carries a wide selection of balloons, which is fitting considering Beverly opens the bakery for children’s birthday celebrations.

“My goal is to provide the community with more than just great baked goods,” Beverly says. “I want people of all ages to have a chance to come, learn and experience the genuine passion I feel for all facets of culinary arts.”

Beverly, who earned his culinary degree from Rhode Island’s Johnson & Wales University, shares his trade with students through shadowing and internship programs, and provides leadership to up-and-coming chefs as an instructor at Patrick Henry Community College. His skills have earned the Indiana native multiple awards, including the Certified

Executive Chef designation from the American Culinary Federation.

At the shop, Beverly and his team bake and decorate an average of 60 custom cakes per week, not counting wedding cakes and the infamous cupcakes that have long earned the

Cake and Dessert Pantry local fame.

The bakery also provides dessert catering, including Beverly’s signature service: the Grande Dessert Buffet featuring classical tortes and pastries, a chef action station and a gourmet coffee and beverage bar.

PHOTOS BY IAN CURCIO

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Derrick Beverly, owner of the Cake and Dessert Pantry, teaches his skills at Patrick Henry Community College.

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Keeping Current

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ancy Bradshaw is a Henry County fixture. Since founding Triangle Electric Corp. in 1965, the master electrician has remained plugged in to the community, serving as an active and constant reminder that anything’s possible. As the only woman completing her electrical contractor’s exam in 1972 in Richmond, Bradshaw says at the time she received a less-than-favorable welcome from her 49 male counterparts.

Still, she persevered, carving out her own niche in a male-dominated field.

“The man who was heading the state board of contracts said, ‘I’m proud of you. This took courage,’” Bradshaw says.

Bradshaw’s interest in electrical work was first sparked while working in the meter department at Appalachian Power Company in Fieldale.

“Triangle Electric Corp. was started out of necessity,” Bradshaw says. “I married another employee and the power company had a rule that relatives could not work for the company.

Since I was already familiar with electrical work, he stayed with the power company and I started an electrical business.”

Two employees and one truck later, Triangle Electric officially was founded in the basement of the Bradshaws’ garage. Today, the company is 22 employees strong, providing 24-houra-day service to residential, utility, industrial and commercial customers.

While Bradshaw has enjoyed a successful career, the community remains her passion. For more than three decades, Bradshaw has been active on church boards, with the MartinsvilleHenry County Chamber of Commerce and MHC Master Gardeners, as an active Ruritan and more.

“To be a part of a community while it reinvents itself is the most exciting event of my life,” Bradshaw says.

“We are truly the pride of the West Piedmont.”

Nancy Bradshaw founded Triangle Electric Corp. nearly 45 years ago.

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PHOTOS BY IAN CURCIO

755 E. Church St. Martinsville (276) 632-7088 Automated: (800) 952-7766

Blue Ridge Aquaculture has the distinction of being the world’s largest producer of indoor tilapia, generating four million pounds of the fish annually.

www.ameristaff.com

Fishy Business, Redefined

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755 E. Church St. Martinsville (276) 666-7160 Toll-free: (866) 698-0205 www.medrequest.com

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enry County is home to one of the fishiest businesses on the planet – and that’s a good thing.

As the world’s largest indoor producer of tilapia, Blue Ridge Aquaculture utilizes indoor water recirculation technology to produce fish that are free of disease and outdoor contaminants.

“By controlling the environment, we can maximize natural growth,” says Blue Ridge Aquaculture’s Martin Gardner. “You get a much healthier fish without mercury, growth hormones or antibiotics, and it’s done in a highly sustainable way. It’s a fascinating system.”

The Martinsville fishery opened in 1993 and now produces four million pounds of tilapia each year in its 80,000-square-foot facility. While tilapia remains Blue Ridge’s biggest product line, the company is casting its net among other aquaculture species as well. Blue Ridge Aquaculture has partnered with Portland, Maine’s MariCal Inc. to launch Virginia Cobia

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Farms in Saltville‚ Va., and plans to produce one million pounds of the tasty fish in 2009. The company also has partnered with Virginia Tech to build a 30,000-square-foot shrimp research facility in Martinsville. Though still in its pilot stage, Virginia Shrimp Farms will be entirely scalable to demand.

Blue Ridge also operates West Virginia Salmon & Trout, an inland aquaculture facility that utilizes the clear, pollutant-free waters deep beneath the West Virginia Mountains.

In addition, the company runs Rolling River Live Haul, which trucks the company’s products to markets in the Northeast.

“We’ve been successful because we’ve been able to develop a system that provides consumers with a safe, healthy seafood source that is sustainable and environmentally friendly,” Gardner says. “We’re bridging the gap between natural fishery production and demand in the marketplace, and we believe it can change the face of the seafood industry.”

MARTINSVILLE- HENRY COU NT Y

Portfolio

Building a Healthy Foundation H

enry County is shaping up, thanks to a wealth of health and wellness programs supported by The Harvest Foundation. Using $59 million in funds generated from the 2002 sale of Memorial Hospital, the foundation researches and invests in programs and initiatives that address local health, education and welfare needs.

The Martinsville-Henry County Coalition for Health and Wellness is such an initiative. The coalition promotes health and reduces health risk factors through screenings, fitness activities, education and wellness programs. The organization also works to improve access to health services for the under-insured and uninsured.

In 2008, the coalition celebrated the opening of Bassett Family Practice, an income-based community health center that provides primary medical and preventive care.

“People have to know how to take care of themselves,” says Barbara Jackman, executive director of the coalition. “We’re trying to help people help themselves through prevention, education, and helping them deal with management of everyday issues like medications and chronic illnesses.”

Another program changing lives is Activate Martinsville-Henry County.

The three-year initiative is helping to make the region a more fun, healthy,

and desirable place to live by promoting walking, bicycling, and other forms of physical activity among residents of all ages. Ongoing events include bike rodeos; a Sunday Stroll; the Commuter Challenge, hosted in partnership with the Coalition for Health and Wellness; and Lunch on the Run, during which participants meet biweekly for 30-minute walking or biking events.

Activate Martinsville-Henry County Program Manager Jeannie Frisco says

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the group also has coordinated with local, regional and national organizations to develop a strategy to improve the region’s overall quality of life, economic vitality and sustainability.

“This program will be the catalyst for creating a healthier, safer and more active populace and community by increasing activity, improving infrastructure, and creating sustainable programs that will continue after the grant cycle,” Frisco says.

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Business

Right Place,

Right

Time

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I M AG E S M A R T I N S V I L L E H E N R YC O U N T Y. C O M

MARTINSVILLE- HENRY COU NT Y

AMPLE SPACE, INITIATIVES AND PROGRAMS CREATE FAVORABLE CLIMATE FOR NEW BUSINESSES STORY BY JOE MORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN CURCIO

N

ew buildings are obvious signs of business growth for a community, but in Martinsville and Henry County, there are many other indicators of success, some not so visible yet just as potent.

The area benefits from multiple efforts to grow the business base and help current operations expand and diversify. From innovative reuse of existing structures to building spec facilities, large- and medium-sized businesses are finding a perfect fit here. And with an array of programs to help small businesses grow and develop, organizations like the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation and Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce are seeing successes across the board.

“Some companies are really taking advantage of the governmental procurement process at the local, state, regional and federal levels,” says Lisa Fultz, director of small and minority business development for the MHCEDC. “Another thing that folks are starting to take advantage of is that all of Martinsville and Henry County has been designated as a federal HUBZone [Historically Underutilized Business Zone].

Being in a HUBZone means that our small companies can get admitted to that program. We have several who are being awarded contracts at the state and federal levels.”

Available space for small businesses is being met by developments such as the Commonwealth Centre office complex, located within a 110-year-old former textile building in downtown Martinsville that now boasts state-of-the-art office space, a landmark clock tower and more.

George W. Lester II, CEO of The Lester Group, says his company purchased and developed the site to bring new life to an old building, transforming an existing asset to meet an emerging need.

On the large-scale-business recruitment front, the EDC is experiencing successes that are the culmination of a 20-year effort to buy land and develop it for specific users, as well as give the area a business-ready set of properties to market. An example is the recent addition of RTI International Metals, which is setting up shop in the Patriot Centre Industrial Park and expects to hire 150 workers when it fully opens for business during early 2009.

“Henry County has been very aggressive about buying land, and we’re beginning a master plan process now that will also include some additional inventory down the road,” says Mark Heath, president and CEO of the MHCEDC.

That kind of advance prep work paid off when RTI visited the area. The combination of a ready-made site and a quality incentives package got the company’s attention right away, says Dave Paull, vice president of administration of RTI. “All the local officials coordinated with us really well,” Paull says. “There was a lot for us to take advantage of, and we’re very happy to be here.”

This proactive and resourceful spirit comes as no surprise to Amanda Witt, president of the chamber of commerce, a key advocate for the area’s business community. An array of chamber initiatives and events help local companies network and expand operations, including the Fast Track Expo, which in 2008 was the largest since its inception 14 years ago.

The chamber also promotes all of the Small Business Resources in Martinsville-Henry County, including the EDC’s Office of Small & Minority Business, the Southside Business Technology Center, Longwood Small Business Development Center and the West Piedmont Business Development Center.

“They all offer unique services,” Witt says of the centers.

“We make referrals to them frequently. We all strive to collaborate, because we have the same common goal. We want to grow our existing businesses and encourage economic development.”

Mark Heath, president and chief executive officer of the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation, says the county’s aggressive approach to buying land for development is aiding business recruitment.

Left: Commonwealth Centre is an example of private investment that aims to lure potential new businesses.

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PHOTOS BY IAN CURCIO

Business | Biz Briefs

Hugo’s Italian Combo, consisting of shrimp, veal and linguine, is among its most popular menu items.

SUCCESSFULLY MERGING FLAVORS At Hugo’s in Uptown Martinsville, there’s always good Italian food to satisfy hearty appetites – and the delicious, much-in-demand steak-andcheese sandwich, too.

The current incarnation of the restaurant resulted from the 2007 merger of two popular eateries, Nina’s Italian Restaurant and Roma Café.

Aman Sarwary owns Hugo’s, which specializes in Italian and American food, including pizza, lasagna, pasta and submarine sandwiches. Lunchtime patrons can select their dishes from a buffet. The restaurant offers a variety of beverages, such as soft drinks, smoothies, beer and wine. After the meal, patrons can enjoy coffee and ice cream.

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Hugo’s is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week and is located at 10 E. Church St. ANSWERING CALLS, FULFILLING NEEDS Who you gonna call? If you’re a customer purchasing items online or by phone from French Toast, New York & Co., Children’s Wear Digest, Spanx or Godiva, among others, it may be GSI’s call center in Martinsville.

The local call center and fulfillment center were opened in 1999, says Greg Ryan, director of corporate communications for GSI in Pennsylvania.

The Martinsville operation became part of GSI in 2007.

“When we acquired Accretive Commerce in September 2007, we acquired the Martinsville facility, which

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was the backbone of that company’s fulfillment and customer care operations.

Martinsville remains strategic to GSI, as it adds scale and provides additional capabilities to our e-commerce infrastructure,” Ryan says.

The 478,750-square-foot fulfillment center employs 200, adding up to 250 more workers during the peak winter holiday season. The call center, open 24/7, employs 125 most of the year, and up to 325 during busy periods.

COLORFUL AND CLEAN Medley Specialties Inc. has been a fixture on the Martinsville business scene for more than a quarter century, first as a garment dye house, then as a manufacturer of textile chemicals.

The company received the Small Business of the Year Award for MARTINSVILLE- HENRY COU NT Y

Manufacturing in 2008 from the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce.

The firm, with half a dozen employees, still manufactures textile chemicals, but has also started making pet care products, as well as laundry detergents and soaps for institutions, such as prison systems and government entities, says Scott Medley, vice president.

“In the early days, we had a garment dye house for textiles; we dyed T-shirts, stone-washed jeans and things like that.

That went away, and we started making textile chemicals,” Medley says.

The cleaning and pet products were added when the firm saw a need to branch out and diversify, Medley adds.

FAMILY VALUES YIELD CLEAR QUALITY For nearly 60 years, Martinsville Glass Co. has provided quality glass products and top-notch customer service to local residents.

Started in 1949 by Libby and Red Hussey, the firm installs residential, commercial and automotive glass. Customers have included the Martinsville Speedway, the YMCA and the Blue Ridge Regional Library.

Lee Hussey, president of the company founded by his parents, says he strives to remain true to their values.

“I wish to run the company as my mother and father did in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s,” Hussey says. “That’s

been my intent the whole time. Giving a fair price and doing quality work – they always instilled that in me.

“What sets us apart is taking care of our local customers,” he adds. “If they aren’t happy with the work, they don’t have to pay me for it. I’ve said that many times to many customers. I haven’t had to give any money back yet.”

SMOOTHING THINGS OUT Oak Level Finishing & Repair Inc. has come a long way in a short time.

Since its founding in 2004 by Brad Smart, the company has served its commercial customers well, finishing “whitewood,” or raw wood sanded and prepped for accepting finishing materials, stains, sealers or topcoats.

“All of our work is custom and done to our customers’ specifications,” Smart explains. “Part of our business is the repair of off-spec imported items, mainly in the furniture industry.”

The firm has been located in the Patriot Centre Industrial Park since 2005, occupying a total of 60,000 square feet. In 2008, Oak Level Finishing is investing close to $1 million in a Cattinair flat spray system, ideal for finishing cabinet parts, millwork items and tabletops, Smart says.

Oak Level has 25 employees and has offered support to the local Boys & Girls Club, the SPCA and youth softball teams.

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Martinsville Glass Co. has served the area since 1949.

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IAN CURCIO

Business | Chamber Report

John Parkinson, CEO of Drake Extrusion Inc., proudly served as the 2007-08 chairman of the board for the Martinsville Chamber of Commerce.

Dear John: Good Job PARKINSON MADE MANY IMPROVEMENTS DURING TERM AS CHAMBER CHAIRMAN

I

t’s easy to break the ice with John Parkinson. Just ask about his British homeland, or the Manchester United soccer team he has rooted for since childhood.

“Yes, England is my birthplace but Martinsville is now my home and I love it here,” says Parkinson, CEO of Drake Extrusion Inc. “I can’t quite shake this British accent, though.”

Besides his work at Drake Extrusion, Parkinson served from June 2007 through June 2008 as chairman of the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce. A lot was accomplished during his 12-month tenure.

“My main focus was to change the overall emphasis of the chamber, to make it more in-tune with the needs of businesses on a day-to-day level,” he says. “A big way to accomplish that is to raise awareness in the community about workforce development, which I think is particularly important.”

Parkinson says it is no secret that since the 1950s, Martinsville was a traditional manufacturing area for textiles and furniture. But now, with the exit of textiles and the decline in furniture manufacturing, new and relocating businesses are requiring an all-new level of skill requirements from its employees.

“Decades ago, jobs were plentiful here; a worker could quit a job and then walk next door for another job,” Parkinson says. “Workers didn’t need high school diplomas because the work was just there. But that isn’t the case anymore, so workforce training is something I really advocate.”

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As a result, the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board in an effort to drive those in the existing workforce without general education development certificates, or G.E.D.s, to attain them.

“So far, 100 people who never earned their G.E.D.s have now done so, and another 300 are in the system,” Parkinson says. “This makes every one of these people a more valuable asset as new companies move into Martinsville-Henry County.”

Parkinson says the chamber is also organizing information technology classes for businesses that want their employees to take such courses.

“I also want to offer informative business classes for some of the smaller companies in town, and hope we get that started in late 2008,” he says. “I really wanted to push for that, too.”

Parkinson says he also strived to have the chamber work more closely with government agencies, including the City Council of Martinsville, the Henry County Board of Supervisors and the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp.

“By working together, we present a much more unified face to the outside world and prospective businesses looking to relocate,” he says. “The chamber truly has more to do with the economic side of our community than anything else at this time.”

– Kevin Litwin MARTINSVILLE- HENRY COU NT Y

Business | Economic Profile

MARTINSVILLE BUSINESS CLIMATE Martinsville and Henry County have a long-standing textile and furniture manufacturing history. However, the area is becoming just as popular among entrepreneurs who are finding an excellent atmosphere in which to launch new ideas. As a result, the business incubator is near capacity.

MAJOR EMPLOYERS Employer

No. of Employees

HOUSEHOLD INCOME

Henry County Public Schools

1,546

Henry County Median household income $31,816 Median family income, $38,649 Per capita, $17,110

Stanley Furniture Company Inc.

1,000

Memorial Hospital of Martinsville

851

StarTek

794

Springs Global US Inc.

645

GSI Commerce

522

CP Films/Solutia Incorporated

500

Martinsville City Schools

495

GCA Staffing Services Inc.

449

DISTANCE TO MAJOR CITIES

City of Martinsville

424

Wal Mart Associates Inc.

388

Atlanta, 370 miles

Hanesbrands

348

Boston, 735 miles

County of Henry

338

Around the Clock Staffing

325

Martinsville Median household income $27,441 Median family income, $35,321 Per capita, $17,251

Chicago, 715 miles Danville, 30 miles Greensboro, N.C., 40 miles Nashville, Tenn., 455 miles Philadelphia, 430 miles Roanoke, 50 miles Washington, 290 miles

TAXES Corporate income tax, 6% Retail sales and use, 5% (4% state and 1% local; seventh-lowest in the nation) Counties and cities are separate taxing entities.

Residents only pay one local tax with each retail sale.

Virginia has no tax on intangible property, manufacturer’s inventory, manufacturer’s furniture, fixtures or corporate aircraft.

MARTINSVILLE- HENRY COU NT Y

TRANSPORTATION Airports Blue Ridge Regional Airport is in Henry County.

(276) 957-2291

FOR MORE INFORMATION Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce 115 Broad St.

Danville Regional Airport is 30 miles east of Martinsville.

(434) 799-5100

Martinsville, VA 24114

Piedmont Triad International Airport is 45 miles south in Greensboro, N.C., and has more than 100 daily departures.

(336) 665-5600

www.martinsville.com

Roanoke Regional Airport is 45 miles north in Roanoke, Va., and offers 50 daily departures. (540) 362-1999 Railroad Norfolk Southern (800) 635-5768

Phone: (276) 632-6401 Fax: (276) 632-5059 Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp.

134 E. Church St., Ste. 200 Martinsville, VA 24114 Phone: (276) 403-5940 www.yesmartinsville.com

Sources: www.martinsville.com, www.yesmartinsville.com, www.census.gov

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Education

IAN CURCIO

Martinsville City Public Schools and Henry County Schools have completed the rigorous process required to earn full accreditation from the state.

Earning Credit Where It’s Due SCHOOL SYSTEMS CELEBRATE FULL ACCREDITATION

M

artinsville City Public Schools and Henry County Schools are earning credit where it’s due. Both systems have received full accreditation from the state, demonstrating the schools’ uncompromising commitment to education and the Henry County community as a whole.

“The accreditation process in Virginia is a major focus, and is really a tribute to the hard work of teachers, administrators and staff,” says Dr. Scott Kizner, superintendent of Martinsville City Public Schools.

The district’s five schools completed the rigorous process in 2007, demonstrating students’ proficiency in the areas of math, science, English and

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social studies.

Today, Martinsville’s city schools are operating smarter than ever. In an effort to prepare students for college, administrators have raised graduation standards and set stringent division goals that have increased the percentage of minority students who participate in advanced classes and obtain advanced diplomas. In the classroom, schools are partnering with area colleges to offer advanced science, engineering and science programs. And the district’s early childhood program, recognized as exemplary by the governor’s office, ensures every child enters school ready to learn.

Students at Henry County Schools

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accepted the same challenge in 2003, bringing accreditation to the state’s 33rd largest school system. Dr. Sharon Dodson, superintendent of the 7,700-student district, also attributes her schools’ success to an unyielding commitment from faculty and staff.

“The staff has continuously upgraded their skills in the classroom by becoming proficient in differentiating instruction for each student,” Dodson says. “Our students have always had knowledge and capability of performing well, but teachers and administrators collectively looked at the best instructional methods and strategies to ensure students will be successful.”

A visionary teacher academy is one of the many initiatives setting Henry County Schools apart. The program identifies talented paraprofessionals already employed in the system and pays for them to complete teaching degrees and return to the district. Dual enrollment courses allow high school students to earn college credits, opening doors for countless first-generation college students. The county district also has been recognized for implementation of instructional technologies, from classroom computers and mobile laptop labs to interactive whiteboards and sound-field amplification in all elementary and middle schools.

Kizner says the districts’ continued achievements go far beyond high marks on a state report card.

“What accreditation really states is that our school systems and the community are willing to provide the support and resources necessary to make sure kids learn at their highest levels,” he says. “If someone relocates t o the Martinsville-Henry County area, one thing they can be assured of is that they have two school systems of high quality with professional staff, totally committed to making sure every child will be successful.”

– Melanie Hill MARTINSVILLE- HENRY COU NT Y

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ational College has brought an elevated learning experience to Henry County.

In March 2008, the Martinsville campus made the much-anticipated move from Jefferson Plaza to a renovated $2.3 million facility on North Memorial Boulevard, providing the school’s 300 students with a convenient, user-friendly place to learn and grow. The 16,000-square-foot campus is equipped with a medical classroom lab, three computer labs, an information systems engineering lab, lecture rooms, faculty and student lounges, a library and a bookstore.

“We’re really excited about this grand opening,” says John Scott, National College’s Martinsville campus director.

“The renovation was well received by the city because the building had been empty for a while. The new classrooms are equipped with more modern equipment than previously available, with classrooms on one level rather than four.”

The Martinsville campus, which first opened in 1978, is one of seven National College locations in Virginia. The career college is a popular choice for students pursuing specialized diplomas or two-year associate degrees.

Scott also hopes to add a bachelor’s degree program in management in 2009.

“We’re very happy to put this investment in the community and support our students,” says Scott, a 15-year veteran of National College. “We’re much more visible in the community and hope the investment we’ve made in Martinsville will spur additional investment from other companies.”

– Melanie Hill

MARTINSVILLE- HENRY COU NT Y

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Arts & Culture

Creating Creative Space PIEDMONT ARTS’ NEW STUDIO 107 PROVIDES ARTISTS ROOM TO GROW

P

“It’s a very creative environment,” Sell says. “The artists are diligent about getting things done. They devote a lot of attention to their individual work, but there is definitely an energy among them.”

Several of the artists also are affiliated with the Southern Virginia Artisan Center – a gallery that showcases and sells crafts made by regional artisans. It happens to be located just down the block at 54 W. Church St. Piedmont Arts sees big potential in the proximity of the two facilities.

“We hope to begin an artistic corridor on Church Street,” Sell explains.

The Uptown Martinsville Farmers’ Market, located across the street from Studio 107, complements that plan perfectly. In fact, Piedmont Arts intends to coordinate programming that will bring Farmers’ Market customers to the arts venues and fine art to the Farmers’ Market.

Meanwhile, the organization continues to call attention to the abundance of artwork produced in southern Virginia – and to the artists that produce it – by spreading the news of Studio 107’s opening.

“We want people to know it’s a really neat place with lots of artists at work,” says Bernadette Moore, director of marketing and communications for the Piedmont Arts Association. “It’s open to the public; just drop in anytime. The artists will be happy to show you around.”

– Carol Cowan

PHOTOS BY IAN CURCIO

iedmont Arts Association has been promoting the visual and performing arts in Martinsville-Henry County for nearly 50 years. The organization, which earned accreditation from the American Association of Museums in June 2004, presents exhibits, live performances and arts-education opportunities for all ages. In doing so, it also creates significant opportunities for regional artists to showcase their work.

Last fall, in another stroke of creative genius, Piedmont Arts launched Studio 107 – a facility that offers studios at affordable rates to fine artists.

“Studio 107 is meant to be an open, collaborative environment,” says Tina Sell, director of exhibitions for the Piedmont Arts Association.

Aptly dubbed for its uptown Martinsville location at 107 W. Church St., the climate-controlled building has a total of 12 spaces, including 10 individual studios of varying sizes, a shared printmaking area and press, and a classroom for programs, lessons and workshops. Several of the rooms have ample square footage to accommodate large-scale sculpture and painting, and two overhead garage doors ease loading and unloading of sizable pieces, Sell says.

Currently, the facility has seven tenants who work in various visual arts media, including stained glass, pottery, woodturning, decorative furniture finishing, printmaking and large-scale painting.

Artist Amanda Honore Donley prepares to paint in her leased space located within the new Studio 107 uptown.

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MARTINSVILLE- HENRY COU NT Y

Sports & Recreation

Patriot-ism Grows at PHCC SOFTBALL AND CHEERLEADING JOIN COLLEGE’S SPORTS PROGRAM OFFERINGS

A

ttention, ladies and gentlemen – but mostly ladies.

For 2008, Patrick Henry Community College has added softball and cheerleading to its athletic department lineup, which already includes baseball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball and wrestling programs.

“Women’s involvement in athletics has been down a little bit over the past few years, so we wanted to give them more options for sports participation,” says Christopher Parker, athletic director and head baseball coach at Patrick Henry Community College. “We first tried volleyball but that wasn’t successful, and we had been receiving some really positive feedback about adding softball and cheerleading to our program – so we did.”

Parker says softball is a relatively expensive sport for a college, but that is what the students really wanted.

“And since we want more women involved in athletics on our campus, we happily agreed,” he says. “I hope many girls participate in Lady Patriots softball for years to come.”

The softball team began its first-ever fall season in August 2008, and their inaugural spring season will start in March 2009. The PHCC Patriots head softball coach is Kathleen Brown, and the team plays their home games at Jack Dalton Park in Collinsville.

Meanwhile, Parker says cheerleading is a sport that was requested not only by students, but by some of the PHCC faculty and staff, as well.

“Many people wanted to see more school spirit at our men’s and women’s basketball games, and that’s where cheerleading will obviously help,” he says. “In addition, not all women want to play sports but they want to stay active, and cheerleading is something that helps them stay in shape as well as have fun.”

Parker adds that the women cheerleaders won’t be competing at any ESPN-type televised competitions, simply because it is not available to two-year schools.

“This will simply be a structured athletic group who will lead the cheers and perform some dance routines at basketball games,” he says. “The coach is Jane Leizer, who is also an adjunct instructor at PHCC for dance, aerobics and physical education.”

In other positive sports news, the Patrick Henry men’s basketball team won the Virginia Community College Conference championship in 2007-2008, and the Patriots’ baseball team set a school record for wins, with 39 in 2008.

Meanwhile, the women’s basketball team finished second in their conference in 2007-08.

“By the way, as of May 2008, our sports teams are now playing in the newly organized Virginia-Carolina Region 10 Conference,” Parker says. “Also, our entire athletic department has switched to the National Junior College Athletic Association. This move now allows Patrick Henry Community College to compete for national championships in sports, instead of just for state championships.”

– Kevin Litwin

Christopher Parker is the athletic director and head coach for the PHCC Patriots baseball team.

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MARTINSVILLE- HENRY COU NT Y

Health & Wellness

This Won’t Hurt a Bit MEMORIAL HOSPITAL’S SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT ATTRACTS NEW PHYSICIANS

W

ith an ambitious, ongoing renovation and improvement agenda, Memorial Hospital is proving that high-tech medicine can thrive in a small-town setting.

The 220-bed hospital, which is owned and operated by LifePoint Hospitals, is a full-service facility for Martinsville and its surrounding communities. In recent years, the hospital has undergone significant physical improvements, including a $5.8 million overhaul and expansion of its ambulatory surgery center, as well as equipment upgrades that include a 64-slice CT scanner, picture archiving and communications system and plasma screen in the orthopedic surgery suite. All told, some $40 million has been spent at the hospital since 2002, and there’s no slowing down anytime soon.

“We have added IMRT [intensity-modulated radiation therapy] in our radiation oncology department at the Ravenel Oncology Center,” says Darren Aaron, director of growth and business development for Memorial. “It allows us to treat tumors with a higher dosage of radiation while protecting surrounding sensitive tissue. We’re seeing a lot of new patients since that was added, people who, before, were going to other facilities for their treatment.”

Providing more services locally is key to all upgrades at Memorial, which include an overhaul of its existing MRI equipment to allow for increased clarity of images and additional studies, as well as the planned introduction of a second, open MRI machine that will allow for larger patients.

In addition, the hospital plans to offer digital mammography services to meet community demand, Aaron says.

“We are doing a lot of awareness programs in the community, letting people know what we have here, and [what we] are getting,” he says. “Most people don’t want to travel for their health care, so we’re working to make sure the community knows what we’re doing.”

That awareness also extends positively to the hospital’s physician recruitment efforts.

“We bring doctors in to look at the hospital, but also the area,” says Carol McGovern, director of physician recruitment.

“We want them to see where they’re going to live, and the quality of life here. We also are able to showcase the collegial nature of our medical staff and our vision for the hospital.

They leave here knowing what kind of medicine we’re practicing – that our hospital is always current, that we’re always researching and on top. We make sure that they know that even though this is a small town, they can practice a very advanced quality of medicine here.”

LifePoint is making a nationwide push to recruit doctors to its hospitals, and Memorial is holding up its end of the bargain by hosting at least two site visits a month. Based on what McGovern is hearing as a result, Memorial Hospital is considered very much a draw for prospective new doctors.

“They are overwhelmed with the amount of technology we have in a city this size,” she says. “The hospital tour is always the highlight of the visit. With the equipment and all the renovations, the physicians say they feel like they’re in a brand-new hospital.”

– Joe Morris

Eye Physicians & Surgeons of Martinsville, Inc.

Donald M. Grayson, M.D.

Donald W. Richman, M.D.

Board Certified • Complete Eye Care • No Stitch Outpatient • Contact Lenses Plus New Cataract & Lens Bifocal Disposables Implant Specialist • Computerized • Diabetic & Glaucoma Vision Testing Laser Therapy • Injuries/Emergencies • Child’s Eye Disease – Surgery Specialists • Hospital Affiliated

IAN CURCIO

749 A. E. Church • Martinsville

Martinsville Memorial Hospital has invested more than $40 million in upgrades and renovations since 2002.

MARTINSVILLE- HENRY COU NT Y

Office Hours by Appointment Mon.-Fri. 8:00 a.m.-4:45 p.m.

Sat. 8:00 a.m.-11:45 p.m.

632-7205 • 632-3491

We accept Medicare & Medicaid Assignment

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Photo by Iris Gillispie

Come to historic Uptown Martinsville and enjoy its rich tradition of music, architecture and Southern hospitality.

Whether you want to shop, dine or play,

Museum of Natural History, Piedmont Arts,

Up Uptown Martinsville offers a variety of events

and unique stores and restaurants.

an and places to explore!

Check out the Uptown Martinsville Farmers’

Vis Visit the Rives Theatre for new releases,

Market, Lunch on the Lawn, Tunes at Twilight

fav favorite classics and live entertainment

and School Break Series Events. There’s plenty

(27 (276.632.1656).

to keep you busy in Uptown Martinsville!

En Enjoy our Uptown’s attractions, such as the So Southern Virginia Artisan Center, Virginia For additional information visit, www.MartinsvilleUptown.net or call MURA at 276.632.5688.

EXPECT

MORE SERVICE, LOYALTY, TRUST AND PARTNERSHIP. OUR COMMUNITY. YOUR BANK.

FREE

CHECKING

CONVENIENT ONLINE BANKING ONLINE BILL PAY WWW.RCBNA.COM

MARTINSVILLE • STANLEYTOWN • STUART • DRAKES BRANCH

28

I M AG E S M A R T I N S V I L L E H E N R YC O U N T Y. C O M

MARTINSVILLE- HENRY COU NT Y

Community Profile

MARTINSVILLE SNAPSHOT Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Martinsville and Henry County area offers a high quality of life with a low cost of living. The region also offers top-quality education, health care, cultural and recreational opportunities.

Virginia Museum of Natural History, 666-8600

Chatmoss Country Club 638-2484

Walker Fine Arts Center 656-0323

Forest Park Country Club 632-1711

Annual average high, 68 F Annual average low, 42 F January (high), 46.5 F January (low), 22.8 F July (high), 87.3 F July (low), 62.4 F Annual rainfall 45.15 inches Annual snowfall 12 inches

NUMBERS TO KNOW

Lynwood Country Club 632-2295

AREA ATTRACTIONS

Henry County Sheriff 656-4200

CLIMATE

Southern Virginia Artisan Center, 632-8006 Bassett Genealogical Library 629-9191 Chamber of Commerce 632-6401 Fairy Stone State Park 930-2424

Blue Ridge Regional Library 632-7125

MEDICAL FACILITIES

City manager, 403-5180

Memorial Hospital, 666-7200

County administrator 634-4601 Henry County Senior Services 634-4644

Henry County Parks & Recreation, 634-4640 Henry County Public Information, 634-2572 Henry County voter registrar 634-4698 Martinsville leisure services 403-5379 or 403-5140

Lake Sugar Tree Motorsport Park, 650-3788

Martinsville police, 656-5300

Martinsville Mustangs 632-9913 Martinsville Reservoir Martinsville Speedway 956-1543 MURA (Martinsville Uptown Revitalization Association) 632-5688

Cable Comcast, (888) 683-1000 Electricity Martinsville: City of Martinsville Utility Billing Department, 403-5146 Henry County: Appalachian Power (877) 237-2886

Landfill, 656-5177

Historic Henry County Courthouse, 638-5464

Mabry Mill, 952-2947

UTILITIES

Martinsville public information 403-5386 Martinsville Senior Citizens Center, 403-5260 Martinsville Sheriff, 403-5151 Martinsville voter registrar 403-5122 Office of Tourism, 403-5949 Public works, 403-5154

Phone EMBARQ, (800) 786-6272 Water/Sewer Martinsville: City of Martinsville Utility Billing Department, 403-5146 Henry County: Henry County Public Service Authority, 634-2500 Natural Gas Southwestern Virginia Natural Gas, 632-5662

Philpott Lake, 629-2703 Piedmont Arts Association 632-3221

GOLF

Primland Resort, 251-8012

Public Beaver Hill Golf Course 632-1526

Reynolds Homestead 694-7131 Smith River Uptown Walking Tour 632-5688

Private Bassett Country Club 629-3242

The area code for Mar tinsville - Henr y County is 276 .

MEDIA Newspapers (Daily) Martinsville Bulletin, 638-8801 The Roanoke Times (540) 981-3211 Danville Register & Bee (434) 793-2311

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STRATFORD SQUARE APARTMENTS MARTINSVILLE’S FINEST 1, 2, and 3 Bedroom Townhouses Pool and Tennis Court

1807 East Church Street Extension (276) 666-6413 • (276) 634-1625 pager Nancy H. Joyce, Manager

www.stratfordsquareapartments.com

Sharing Your Real Estate Dreams for Over 80 Years

“The Grey Lady – Circa 1896” Four Generations of Marketing Fine Homes Residential & Commercial Development Community-Supportive Since 1928

THE NO. 1 REAL ESTATE FIRM SINCE 1928

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324 E. Church St. Martinsville, VA 24112 (800) 951-3463 www.rivessbrown.com

MARTINSVILLE- HENRY COU NT Y

Community Profile News & Record, Greensboro, N.C., (336) 274-5476 Radio NPR 89.1 FM WAKG 103.3 FM WCBX 900 AM WFIC 1530 AM WHEE 1370 AM

Fork Mountain Raceway This 3/8-mile dirt track in Bassett is the site of Friday night late-model races each April through mid-October.

Martinsville High School 351 Commonwealth Blvd.

(276) 403-5870

EDUCATION

Martinsville Middle School 201 Brown St. (276) 403-5886

WODY 1160 AM WZBB 99.9 FM Television WXII 3 (NBC) WBRA 4 (Public Television)

Clearview Early Childhood Center 800 Ainsley St. (276) 403-5800

Lake Sugar Tree Motorsport Park Motocross and ATV races take place at this track in Axton.

WHEO 1270 AM WMVA 1450 AM

Albert Harris Elementary School 710 Smith Road, (276) 403-5838

Public Schools Martinsville City Public Schools 746 Indian Trail (276) 403-5820 www.martinsville.k12.va.us

Patrick Henry Elementary School 1810 Church St. Ext. (276) 403-5812

WDBJ 6 (CBS) WXIV 7 (Independent) WFXR 8 (FOX) WSLS 9 (NBC) WFMY 10 (CBS) WSET 12 (ABC) WYAT 40 Newschannel 18 EDUA 20 (Educational Access) BTW 21 MGTV 22 (Martinsville Government Access)

RACETRACKS Martinsville Speedway Founded by H. Clay Earles a year before NASCAR was formed, this is the oldest track that’s part of the Nextel Cup series.

South Boston Speedway It has been the site of hundreds of thrilling races during nearly 50 years of operation. Earlier in its history, the speedway was the site of a number of NASCAR Grand National (now Nextel Cup) events.

Virginia International Raceway This facility in Alton reopened in 2000 with new buildings and a resurfaced track. Some drivers have dubbed the track the toughest road course in America.

The area code for Mar tinsville - Henr y County is 276 .

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Community Profile Henry County Public Schools 3300 Kings Mountain Road, Collinsville, (276) 634-4700 http://henryva.schoolwires.com Elementary Schools Axton Elementary School 1500 Axton Middle School Road, Axton, 650-1193 Carver Elementary School 220 Trott Circle, Martinsville 957-2226 Campbell Court Elementary School, 220 Campbell Court, Bassett, 629-5344 Center for Community Learning 340 Ridgedale Drive, 638-1668

Collinsville Primary School 15 Primary School Road, Collinsville, 647-8932 Drewry Mason Elementary School, 45 Drewry Mason Drive, Ridgeway, 956-3154 Irisburg Elementary School 6871 Irisburg Road, Axton 650-2183

Piedmont Governor’s School for Mathematics, Science, and Technology, 1425 Greensboro Road, 632-5482 Regional Alternative Program 340 Ridgedale Drive, 632-6017 Rich Acres Elementary School 400 Rich Acres School Road 638-3366

John-Redd Smith Elementary School 40 School Drive, Collinsville 647-7676

Ridgeway Elementary School 380 Church St., Ridgeway 956-3626

Mount Olivet Elementary School, 255 Lancer Lane 638-1022

Sanville Elementary School 19 Sanville School Road, Bassett, 629-5301 Stanleytown Elementary School 74 Edgewood Drive, Stanleytown, 629-5084

Burch | Hodges | Stone life. auto. property. health. business. you.

At Burch-Hodges-Stone, we understand that each and every part of your life demands a different kind

Middle Schools Fieldale-Collinsville Middle School, 645 Miles Road, Collinsville, 647-3841 Laurel Park Middle School 280 Laurel Park Ave., 632-7216 High Schools Bassett High School 85 Riverside Drive, Bassett 629-1731 Magna Vista High School 701 Magna Vista School Road, Ridgeway, 956-3147

of care and protection.

It’s a philosophy that’s

FOR MORE INFORMATION

worked for us since 1891.

Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 709 115 Broad St. Martinsville, VA 24114 Phone: (276) 632-6401 Fax: (276) 632-5059 www.martinsville.com

From your grandmother’s engagement ring to your son’s new ride to the laptops that will double your market share, we handle your life with care.

231 E. Church St. | 3rd Floor | Martinsville, VA 24112 | (276) 632-2161

32

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Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp.

134 E. Church St., Ste. 200 P.O. Box 631 Martinsville, VA 24114 (276) 403-5940 www.yesmartinsville.com

Sources: www.martinsville.com, www.yesmartinsville.com, www.henrycountyva.gov, www.ci.martinsville.va.us

MARTINSVILLE- HENRY COU NT Y

VISIT THE GALLERY: Mon.-Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

54 West Church St. • Martinsville, VA 24112 (276) 632-0066 contact@SouthernVirginiaArtisanCenter.org www.SouthernVirginiaArtisanCenter.org

At Stanley Furniture, we offer style made simple: Multiple selections in each collection, for every major style category and every room of the home. Because we know that when dealing with the complexities of life, it’s best to keep it simple.

1641 Fairystone Park Hwy. • Stanleytown, VA 24168 (276) 627-2100 • www.stanleyfurniture.com

Welcome to the County of Henry!

Living a healthy lifestyle?

Try hiking one of the trails of Henry County or take a trip to the Smith River. Set in the foothills of Virginia’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the County of Henry, Virginia is home to major industries, NASCAR Sprint Cup racing and an unsurpassed quality of life.

There is no better place to be.

H ENRY C OUNTY PARKS & R ECREATION

P.O. Box 7 • Collinsville, VA 24078 (276) 634-4601 Voice • (276) 634-4781 Fax www.henrycountyva.gov

Our Mission: To Create and Preserve Wealth.

Selling • Buying • Managing • Tax Deferred Exchanges Developing • Sales Lease Back • Urban Renewal Raw Land • Office • Industrial • Retail • Institutional

Let us show you how to maximize your return on investment and manage risk in quality Real Estate. Call us at (276) 656-3538.

James Barnett, CCIM 5 East Church St. • Martinsville, VA 24112 Fax: (276) 656-3639

www.barnettproperties.com

Rebecca 618-2096

Angie 340-7355

Marlene 340-7653

Elif 340-5861

Jennifer 340-2289

Southern Virginia Properties Homes, Farms, Land & Investment

746 Indian Trail Martinsville, VA 24112 (276) 403-5821 Fax: (276) 403-5825 www.martinsville.k12.va.us

(276) 666-HOME American Institute of CPAs Virginia Society of CPAs

Proud to be a member of the Martinsville/Henry County community.

25 Industrial Park Dr. Ridgeway, VA 24148 (276) 632-6301

Martha S. Cooper Certified Public Accountant 15 Cleveland Avenue Suite 1B Martinsville, VA 24112

(276) 632-7559 Fax: (276) 632-7756 mccpa@earthlink.net

Ad Index 2 6 A M E R I C A N FO O DS G RO U P 2 6 A M E R I C A N N ATI O N A L BA N K 3 7 A M E R I C A N O F M A RTI N S V I L L E 1 4 A M E R I S TA F F 4 0 BA R N E T T CO M M E RC IA L R E A LT Y, I N C .

2 BA S S E T T

27 E Y E P H YS I C I A N S & S U RG EO N S O F M A RTI N S V I L L E 41 G EO RG IA PACI FIC CO R RU GATED 6 KING’S GR ANT C 2 L E S T E R P R O P E RT I E S 41 M A RT H A S . CO O P E R C PA

13 B E R RY- ELLI OT T I N C . R E A LTO R S

41 M A RTI N S V I L L E C IT Y P U B LI C S C H O O L S

32 B U RC H - H O D G E S -S TO N E I N C .

3 5 M A RTI N S V I L L E D U P O N T C R E D IT U N I O N

2 3 C A RT E R BA N K & T R U S T 2 6 C IT Y O F M A RTI N S V I L L E 39 CO U N T Y O F H E N RY 2 DALY SE VEN – HAMPTON INN H O LI DAY I N N E X P R E S S

C 4 M A RTI N S V I L L E H E N RY COUNTY VIRGINIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPOR ATION 3 6 M A RTI N S V I L L E H E N RY CO U N T Y V I RG I N I A TO U R I S M

Ad Index (cont.)

2 8 M A RTI N S V I L L E U P TOW N RE VITALIZ ATION ASSOCIATION 3 0 M O D - U - K R A F H O M E S L LC 1 5 N ATI O N W I D E C U S TO M H O M E S 3 1 N E W CO L L EG E I N S TI T U T E 28 R I V E R CO M M U N IT Y BA N K N A 3 0 R I V E S S . B ROW N 1 9 SO LI D S TO N E FA B R I C S 41 S O U T H E R N V I RG I N I A P RO P E RTI E S 3 8 S TA N L E Y F U R N IT U R E 3 0 S T R AT FO R D S Q UA R E A PA RT M E N TS 2 3 T H E S P E N C E R G RO U P R E A L E S TAT E & AU C TI O N S C 3 V I RG I N I A M U S EU M O F N AT U R A L H I S TO RY

questions answers

©2002 American Cancer Society, Inc.

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

Visit Our Advertisers American Foods Group www.americanfoodsgroup.com

Martinsville Henry County Virginia Economic Development Corporation www.yesmartinsville.com

American National Bank www.amnb.com

American of Martinsville www.americanofmartinsville.com

AmeriStaff www.ameristaff.net

Barnett Commercial Realty Inc. www.barnettproperties.com

Martinsville Henry County Virginia Tourism www.yesmartinsville.com

Martinsville Uptown Revitalization Association www.martinsvilleuptown.net

Mod-U-Kraf Homes LLC www.mod-u-kraf.com

Bassett www.bassettfurniture.com

Berry-Elliott Inc. Realtors www.berryelliott.com

Burch-Hodges-Stone Inc. www.burch-hodges-stone.com

Carter Bank & Trust

City of Martinsville www.ci.martinsville.va.us

County of Henry www.henrycountyva.gov

Daly Seven – Hampton Inn Holiday Inn Express www.dalyseven.com

Nationwide Custom Homes www.nationwidecustomhomes.com

New College Institute www.newcollegeinstitute.org

River Community Bank NA www.rcbna.com

Rives S. Brown www.rivessbrown.com

Solid Stone Fabrics www.solidstonefabrics.com

Southern Virginia Properties www.southernvirginiaproperties.com

Eye Physicians & Surgeons of Martinsville Stanley Furniture www.stanleyfurniture.com Georgia PaciďŹ c Corrugated

King's Grant www.sunnysidecommunities.com

Lester Properties www.lestergroup.com

Stratford Square Apartments www.stratfordsquareapartments.com

The Spencer Group Real Estate & Auctions www.spencergrouprealestate.com

Martha S. Cooper CPA

Martinsville City Public Schools www.martinsville.k12.va.us

Martinsville DuPont Credit Union www.mdcu.org

Virginia Museum of Natural History www.vmnh.net

West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board www.wpwin.org