images danville-pittsylvania county, va: 2008-09
DESCRIPTION
Located in south-central Virginia along the border with North Carolina, Danville and Pittsylvania County are home to approximately 108,000 residents total. Preservation of historic homes and buildings showcase the city’s earliest days as a tobacco and textile powerhouse in the mid-1800s through the turn of the century. Meanwhile, some of the most innovative business development programs in the nation have attracted new investment. Downtown Danville has undergone a transformation with renovated facades, new businesses and ongoing support of community activities.TRANSCRIPT
RESIDENTIAL RENAISSANCEImprovements bring new life to historic districts
SPECTACULAR METAMORPHOSISScience center thrives within former train station
Fountain of YouthUp-and-coming business leaders energize community
SPONSORED BY THE DANVILLE PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
OF DANVILLE AND PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VIRGINIA
2008-09 | DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM | VIDEO VIGNETTES
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ACTION! ADVENTURE!
AT DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM
THE MOVIETHE MOVIEImages of Danville Images of Danville
and Pittsylvania Countyand Pittsylvania County
STARTS TODAY!
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SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT ANY RESEMBLANCE TO PLACES, EVENTS OR QUALITY OF LIFE IN DANVILLE AND PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY IS PURELY INTENTIONAL!
““DANVILLE AND PITTSYLVANIA DANVILLE AND PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY LIKE THEY’VE NEVER COUNTY LIKE THEY’VE NEVER
BEEN SEEN BEFORE!BEEN SEEN BEFORE!””
““IT KEPT ME ON THE EDGE OF MY LAPTOP!IT KEPT ME ON THE EDGE OF MY LAPTOP!””
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BUSINESS 28 International Infl ux
Manufacturers from around the world are lining up to do business here.
32 Biz Briefs
35 Chamber Report
37 Economic Profi le
ON THE COVER Photo by Todd BennettDanville Science Center’s Butterfl y Station and Garden
TM
OF DANVILLE AND PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VIRGINIA
2008-09 EDITION | VOLUME 2
DEPARTMENTS
6 Almanac: a colorful sampling of Danville and Pittsylvania County culture
22 Portfolio: people, places and events that defi ne Danville and Pittsylvania County
45 Sports & Recreation
49 Health & Wellness
5 1 Image Gallery
57 Community Profi le: facts, stats and important numbers to know
CONTENTS
FEATURES
10 RESIDENTIAL RENAISSANCEUnprecedented revitalization brightens up downtown neighborhoods.
14 SPECTACULAR METAMORPHOSIS At the Danville Science Center, learning about the world is interesting and fun.
18 FOUNTAIN OF YOUTHYoung professionals are discovering that Danville is a great place to live and work.
40 INSPIRING TURNAROUNDWoodrow Wilson Magnet Elementary earns state and national honors.
42 PAINTING A COLORFUL HISTORYThe Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History showcases the area’s rich culture.
10
This magazine is printed entirely or in part on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE
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Danville: 428 Piney Forest Road • Danville, VA 24540 • (434) 797-4007
Chatham: 13924 US Highway 29 • Chatham, VA 24531 • (434) 432-3009
[email protected] • www.wilkinsandco.com
– Hampton Wilkins, President, Wilkins & Co. Realtors
“We are committed to our region’s future.”
Growing the Dan
River Region, one
family at a time
Wilkins & Co. RealtorsMore Than a Real Estate Company ...
The people at Wilkins & Co. devote much of their time and energy to charities and organizations, giving new meaning to the word “commitment”. The Dan River Region is not just where they do business, but where they live. 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. As anyone at the firm will tell you, this is the good stuff. This is what really counts.
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SEARCH OUR ARCHIVES Browse past issues of the magazine by year or search for specifi c 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; fi nd related stories; or read new content exclusive to the Web. Look for the See More Online reference in this issue.
C U S TO M M A G A Z I N E M E D I A
Walk This WayFeel like exercising? Try the 7.5-mile paved
Riverwalk Trail that winds along the Dan River.The pathway is designed for walkers, joggers
and rollerbladers, and is handicap accessible. There are several entry points to the trail, including Dan Daniel Memorial Park, Anglers Park and the Crossing at the Dan.
In addition, path connections can be made to sites such as the Carrington Pavilion, Danville’s Science Center and downtown Danville. Riverwalk Trail is maintained by the Danville Parks, Recreation & Tourism department.
Building a Tradition of Innovation
Old architecture fans, rejoice.
The historic Tobacco Warehouse District in downtown
Danville has several buildings that were constructed in
the late 1700s and early 1800s. Those were the early years
of what became a thriving tobacco industry; Danville had
billed itself by the mid-1800s as the World’s Best Tobacco
Market. It was here that the widely adopted Danville
System of offering tobacco for inspection at auction was
developed. The entire lot of loose tobacco leaves would
be placed in huge stacks so that it could be examined in
its entirety. Before, it was examined by potential buyers
in small samples.
Also of interest to sightseers is an exploration of the
nearby Crossing at the Dan, a complex of buildings at
the Dan River. The site includes three restored Southern
Railway buildings, as well as a renovated 1885 bottling
plant that is now known as the Pepsi Building.
A Hit for 15 YearsJeff Francoeur played here at American Legion
Post 325 Field, and so did Chuck James.
These current baseball players for the Atlanta
Braves got their minor league starts here playing
for the Danville Braves. The 2008 season marks
the 15th anniversary for this Appalachian League
affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.
The Danville squad is the four-time defending
Eastern Division champion in the league and
plays home games at their field in Dan Daniel
Park. The natural grass stadium was constructed
in 1992 and has seating for 2,588. A total of
39,063 fans attended home games in 2007.
Other big-name Major Leaguers
who have played for the team
include Andruw Jones and
Rafael Furcal.
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Fast Facts Danville served as the last
capital of the Confederacy, from April 3-10, 1865. President Jefferson Davis made his final proclamation to the Confederate nation there.
Danville has been nicknamed “the city of churches” because it has more churches per square mile than any other city in Virginia.
The Dan River Silverbacks is a rugby team that was formed in 1975, and today the Silverbacks play on rugby fields at Anglers Park and hold a popular annual tournament.
The Amtrak train in Danville can take passengers to New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Charlotte, Atlanta, Birmingham and New Orleans.
More than 2,500 people a month buy books at Goodwill Industries on Westover Drive in Danville. About 4,000 books a week are donated to the store, occasionally including rare volumes.
SEE MORE ONLINE | For more Fast Facts about Danville and Pittsylvania County, visit danvillepittsylvaniaco.com.
Meet Us in Chatham
This is quite a site: The brand
new Chatham Community Center
opened in the summer of 2008.
Thanks in large part to a
$3 million grant from the
Danville Regional Foundation,
the 16,000-square-foot center
is equipped with a gymnasium,
meeting rooms and a
commercial kitchen.
An organization called
Chatham Cares Inc. oversaw
construction of the project.
The facility is open to all
Pittsylvania County residents,
and has space set aside for the
Chatham chapter of the Boys and
Girls Club of the Danville Area.
Saluting the SoldiersAtten-hut. The Danville-Pittsylvania County Veterans Memorial is now
open. It took 2 1/2 years of fundraising and work to establish the tribute at
Dan Daniel Memorial Park, as a salute to 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-foot-long 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. There is also a 10-foot-wide circular
brick walkway consisting of engraved memorial bricks.
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PITTSYLVANIA
Smith Mountain Lake
Leesville Lake
Callands
Penhook
Chatham
Blairs
Hurt
Gretna
Danville
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SEE VIDEO ONLINE | Take a virtual tour of Danville and Pittsylvania County at danvillepittsylvaniaco.com, courtesy of our award-winning photographers.
Danville
Generous JamesThanks, J.T. ... for the $50 million.
Danville resident James Thomas “J.T.” Emerson
passed away in June 2005 and left $50 million
to the community. The money will be used to
fund educational scholarships and charitable
grants to students who demonstrate need. One
of the first recipients is Tina Francisco, who is
studying business management at National
College in Danville.
An interesting point about Emerson is that very
few people in the community knew him because
of the low-profile, modest life he chose to live.
The $50 million has been placed in the J.T.-Minnie
Maude [his mother] Charitable Trust that will live
on forever.
Emerson was an Air Force veteran and a
graduate of Danville Community College and
the University of Alabama.
A Plan That WorksNeed good workers? How about a new job?
Check out the Workforce Career Center in the
Piney Forest Shopping Center in Danville or its
satellite centers on Goode Street or in Chatham.
The centers help those looking to sharpen
career skills or for employment and also assist
companies seeking qualified workers.
The centers make connections between
workers, educational institutions and potential
employers, serving as coordinators for all
workforce resources in the region.
At A GlancePOPULATION (2006 ESTIMATE)Danville: 45,586
Pittsylvania County: 60,826
LOCATIONDanville and Pittsylvania County are in south-central
Virginia on the Virginia-North Carolina border.
BEGINNINGSThe first white settlement occurred in 1792 and
was named Wynne’s Falls, after the first settler.
The village was renamed Danville by act of the
Virginia Legislature in 1793, and a charter was
enacted in 1833.
FOR MORE INFORMATIONDanville Pittsylvania County
Chamber of Commerce
8653 U.S. Highway 29
P.O. Box 99
Blairs, VA 24527
Phone: (434) 836-6990
Fax: (434) 836-6955
www.dpchamber.org
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T he past is far from forgotten in Danville, which is seeing unprecedented downtown revitalization not only in its business district but also in longstanding residential areas such as the landmark Millionaires’
Row area on Main Street and its surrounding neighborhoods. People are lining up to live in the city’s historic areas, and
those properties are becoming tourist attractions in and of themselves.
“The Tobacco Warehouse District is seeing huge success, with its residential component as the main driver,” says Gerald Fischer, community development director for the city. “We’ve got four residential projects in that district, adaptive reuse
that’s turning former commercial space into residential. We have 160 units online: subsidized housing, market-rate condos and working-family units, which are for rent.”
Having a mix of renters and owners in the area will further boost downtown’s new life as a residential area, and is bringing a good variety of retail residents as well, Fischer says.
“We’ve seen people start to take ownership of downtown,” adds Anne Moore-Sparks, community development coordinator. “Retailers that already were there are sprucing up their buildings and doing
The Lawson-Overbey Inn Bed and Breakfast on Danville’s Millionaires Row now occupies the former home of tobacco clerk R.W. Lawson. Built by architect T.B. Fitzgerald in 1881, the house underwent renovations 30 years later.
STORY BY JOE MORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD BENNETT
RENOVATIONS AND PRESERVATION BRING NEW LIFE TO DANVILLE’S HISTORIC DISTRICTS
RenaissanceResidential
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their own landscaping. It’s a matter of pride. They now see that downtown is a success, and that’s been very important.”
Fischer and Moore-Sparks both point to the city’s early-1990s investment in The Crossing at the Dan as a key catalyst for the district’s redevelopment. The former train station and Southern Railway yard now is a multi-use complex that draws people downtown.
“We took a chance on the area, and ended up with an entertainment and educational campus that we’re very proud of,” Fischer says. “We thought our investment would produce and encourage private investment in the adjacent area; it took a few years to get to that point, but we’re seeing it now.”
On the home front, the ongoing restoration of historic homes in downtown’s neighborhoods and high-profile challenges such as saving the old “Home of Dan River Fabrics” sign are keeping the Danville Historical Society humming.
“We are seeing a lot of outsiders come in, and they’re finding that we have something unique to offer in addition to our architecture,” says Rose Shields, owner of Rose Shields Interiors and the society’s current president. “We
really are more of a destination point now – we have the old mill buildings, lots of Victorian architecture, the Tobacco Warehouse District, all [serving as] attractions for people.”
The homes were the draw for Fred Meder, who sits on the Danville Commission of Architectural Review and began restoring his first Danville historical home almost two decades ago. Now, with several under his belt, Meder says that the older neighborhoods may be seeing a permanent renaissance.
“People like to walk through the neighborhoods and look at the homes,” Meder says. “I pinch myself every morning. I have a castle. And anybody who watches HGTV knows that we have a wealth of housing stock in Danville that’s still underutilized and underpriced.”
The goal now will be to tie all these pockets of activity into an integrated whole, notes Shields.
“It all connects together, and we’re going in the direction of having everything be walkable,” she says. “People in the various districts are starting their own associations, so we’re making good strides in the right direction.”
This High Victorian Gothic mansion on Millionaires Row was built in 1874 by Charles M. Sublett. Left: Fred Meder is on the Danville Commission of Architectural Review and has been restoring historical homes here for nearly two decades.
SEE MORE ONLINE | Get a glimpse of homes on Millionaires Row at danvillepittsylvaniaco.com.
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B utterflies, trains, science and history – oh my!
At the Danville Science Center, partially housed in the
1899 Southern Railway Passenger Station at the Crossing at the Dan, learning about the world is interesting and fun.
Since it opened in December 1995, giving new life to the abandoned, city-owned historic train depot, DSC has been a major draw for visitors through-out the region. The spectacular Butterfly Station and Garden, added in 1999, is a seasonal highlight from April to October for people of all ages.
“Every day is something new,” says Jeff Liverman, executive director of the DSC for the past five years. “It’s exciting to be part of an organization where you
After 10 years, the Butterfly Station and Garden at the Danville Science Center remains a top draw. PHOTO BY TODD BENNETT
STORY BY ANNE GILLEM
utterflies, trains, science and history – oh my!
At the Danville Science Center, partially housed in the
1899 Southern Railway Passenger Stationat the Crossing at the Dan, learningabout the world is interesting and fun.
Since it opened in December 1995, giving new life to the abandoned, city-owned historic train depot, DSC hasbeen a major draw for visitors through-out the region. The spectacular Butterfly Station and Garden, added in 1999, is a seasonal highlight from April to Octoberfor people of all ages.
“Every day is something new,” saysJeff Liverman, executive director of theDSC for the past five years. “It’s excitingto be part of an organization where you
After 10 years, the Butterfly Station and Garden at the Danville Science Center remains a top draw.PHOTO BY TODD BENNETT
STORY BY ANNE GILLEM
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can really see the impact you have on a community. The presence of the science center has changed the immediate area where we are – the tobacco warehouse area of Danville. But it’s been a sign of change for the whole region as well.
“The economy in this area is somewhat challenged in that some of the major industries, such as tobacco and textiles, have left for one reason or another,” Liverman says. “This community and the people here just pitched in and said ‘we’re going to change our economy and we’re going to look to a new way of doing things.’ And I think science and tech-nology education is a signal that they really are looking to change.”
DSC, which welcomes as many as 27,000 visitors annually, has exhibits and programs for children as young as age 1 to adults. Partnering with teachers to enhance classroom instruction is also a priority. The center offers teacher workshops and even takes programs to schools.
“Our mission is science education for all Virginians,” Liverman says.
The center’s 120 volunteers are key to its success, as is community support, Liverman adds. Forty percent of DSC’s operating money comes from the state, 10 percent is from admissions and fees and a full 50 percent comes from the community.
“Our community is not just behind DSC, it provides an enormous amount of support – whether it’s volunteer time, con-tributions or pitching in,” Liverman says.
Forest Hills Elementary School teacher Katri Pavord says she takes her fourth- and fifth-graders to experience DSC each year.
“I’ve had fantastic experiences there year after year,” Pavord says. “By taking students to a place where they can do things themselves and actually see [science concepts] in an environment other than school helps them internalize information.”
One of the most special weekends during the year is the spring opening of the Butterf ly Station and Garden, overseen by gardener Allison Bellamy. The butterflies are in a screened-in green-house area surrounded by a garden.
“The garden changes from week to
week,” Bellamy says. “There is almost always something in bloom. It evolves all during the season, and the type of butterflies we have changes.
“It’s a life cycle you can watch,” she adds. “Butterf lies are so beautiful. I think of them as an ambassador into the insect world. If you were ever there, you wouldn’t have to ask why I enjoy it. It’s a wonderful, peaceful place to be.”
The Butterfly Station and Garden at the Danville Science Center changes week to week. Below: Hunters and the Hunted is a permanent exhibit at the science center. Far Right: The Danville Science Center is a focal point of the Crossing at the Dan. T
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D riving around Danville after one of her first job interviews out of law school, Rachael Sanford was amazed.
“I didn’t know Danville even existed, but after I did some research and finally visited the town, I was so surprised. When I saw everything that the city was doing to revitalize downtown, I could really see myself living here,” says Sanford, a Baltimore-area native who moved to Danville from Denver in September of 2006.
As soon as Sanford got the job offer she was hoping for with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, she accepted. A year later she made the transition to a local law firm and found the home of her dreams at the Burton Condominium complex, a fully renovated tobacco warehouse in downtown’s historic district that features 29 modern units.
“The first day I was in town driving around after my job interview I ended up on a cobblestone street and looked up to see the Burton. I fell in love with it as soon as I laid eyes on it. Living there has opened up a world of possibilities for me,” says Sanford, who, in her spare time, often enjoys Danville’s scenic Riverwalk Trail and the local farmer’s market, both of which are located just minutes from her front door.
Another young attorney, Trevor Moe, was also surprised by the livability of Danville and Pittsylvania County and the
UP-AND-COMING BUSINESS LEADERS ENERGIZE DANVILLE AND PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY
The North Theatre in Danville, on the opposite page, is benefiting from the youthful energy of community leaders such as Rachael Sanford, a Danville attorney who proudly serves on the facility’s Action Board.
STORY BY VALERIE PASCOE
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Young leaders in Danville and Pittsylvania County prove that community engagement can always be fun through events such as the Second Chance Prom, a fundraiser created by the North Theatre Action Board. Left: Recreational amenities, such as the River Walk Trail, are among factors drawing people of all ages to the area. PHOTO BY IAN CURCIO
area’s broadening appeal for young professionals. Moe first arrived in Danville in 2002 for a summer associate position with a local law firm after living abroad and then attending law school in the Washington area.
“What I saw when I was here that summer was an economy that was reinventing itself. As just one example, today I can look down at the tobacco district, and it’s no longer completely empty; there are condos and stores being developed. The city is turning a corner,” says Moe, a commercial transaction attorney who works with new companies locating to the area.
“Another thing I like about living here is being able to see the tangible effects on the community of what I do both professionally and civically. That’s not always possible in a larger market,” he says.
Moe also helped found a local rugby team, the Dan River Silverbacks, which competes across the region.
Both Sanford and Moe are among the growing number of young professionals participating in community programs to help attract and retain the critical 22-to 35-year-old demographic to the area. They are active in the North Theatre Action Board, a group that was formed in fall 2007 to draw more live music acts and other performances to the historic North Theatre, a renovated 1940s-era venue located on North Main Street that hosts art exhibits, movies and plays.
Both are also involved in the Danville Pittsylvania County
Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals initiative, a group that provides opportunities for up-and-coming business-people to connect through events and projects in the community.
According to the group’s chairman, Shannon Hair, the coordinated effort by city and county officials to transition the economy by attracting new business sectors, such as nanotechnology and bioengineering, is helping draw a new crop of young professionals back into the local workforce.
“There’s an added value in our community with the quality of life and new crop of jobs. As a result, we’re seeing more young professionals who are originally from here returning to work and live,” says Hair.
Amanda Wilson, who grew up in the area and chose to move back here from Dallas, Texas, in 2007, was pleasantly surprised by the evolution of Danville and Pittsylvania County upon her return. She is now the academic outreach program coordinator for the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, a facility that attracts graduate students from across the globe each year.
“I have a huge appreciation for all of the things Danville has to offer today. When I look out from the patio of my apartment up Main Street toward West Main, I can see the mansions being restored. The homes and businesses are coming back to life again, and that brings a definite optimism about the community being on an upswing,” Wilson says.
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Find Fuel for Your MorningsFRESH-ROASTED BEANS KEEP CUSTOMERS COMING BACK TO COFFEE EMPORIUM
Matt Royster knows about energy, having worked for 19 years as a
mechanic for a natural gas pipeline. But six years ago, he made a career switch that changed his focus to a different type of fuel – one that starts the day off right for a growing number of residents.
At Royster’s Main Street Coffee Emporium at 547 Main St. in downtown Danville, customers can greet the morning with a cup of freshly roasted coffee and a New York bagel or other breakfast treat.
As the name of the business suggests, coffee is the main draw here,
along with all-day breakfast offerings, sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts. The “world-famous” walnut chicken salad sandwich is a popular lunch menu item, Royster says.
“We roast our own [coffee] beans – we get them from all over the world,” Royster says. “We roast them right here on the spot. We do deli sandwiches, and we carry Boar’s Head meat. We do all of the espresso-based specialty drinks, as well as regular coffee.
“Coffee is what we started with – and we’ve added these other things on,” he says. “It would be tough to make it
without the addition of food.” Main Street Coffee Emporium, which
seats 50, is a popular gathering spot for locals, Royster says.
“We’ve grown every year since we opened,” Royster says. “We’re growing this year [2008], even with the economy like it is. It is a hangout for people who come in for coffee. I get to meet all kinds of interesting folks. We’ve been fortunate we’ve been able to stay open and grow.”
For those who just can’t get away from the office, Royster also offers light catering and delivers box lunches to area businesses and schools.
Coffee is the star, but Main Street Coffee Emporium also pleases palates with a variety of breakfast and lunch offerings. Right: The walnut chicken salad sandwich is a favorite with the downtown Danville lunch crowd.
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Home of All-Around Athletes
A verett University Director of Athletics Sam Ferguson is helping
students achieve success both on the playing field and in the community, as they reach out to lend a hand in service.
“I’m real proud of our student athletes for their involvement in the community,” says Ferguson, in his current post since January 2008. “They’ve really taken a large role in that, and it’s something they’ve actually pursued.”
Ferguson played golf and basketball while he was an Averett student, and earned his undergraduate degree in physical education in Danville. He returned to Averett as sports information director in 2004 and became assistant athletic director in 2005. He earned a master’s degree in sports management and was named interim athletic director in July 2007. Ferguson is passionate about Averett, and about being able to guide young men and women to become solid contributors to society.
At the school of just under 900 students, athletes in 13 sports have the option of taking part in a variety of service projects.
Cougars football players have worked on a Habitat for Humanity home, and in 2007, the men’s basketball team received the Community Youth Service Award from Dan River Center for Voluntarism for their work with Danville Big Brothers Big Sisters. Every fall, athletes don Halloween costumes to trick-or-treat for canned goods, and there is an annual blood drive in memory of Ferguson’s late wife, Annette.
Giving back “is important,” Ferguson says. “We like to see the community out here supporting our [sports] endeavors, so it’s only fair that we do the same for them. A stronger community means a stronger university.”
Averett University athletic director Sam Ferguson encourages athletes to reach out to the community.
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BUYING OR SELLING CALL US FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
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Independently Owned and Operated Office
Johnson Realty of Virginia, Inc.
2321 Riverside Dr. • Danville, VA 24540 • (434) 799-4141 • (888) 799-4141 • [email protected]
Arlene Creasy of Gretna is known throughout the region for her steadfast community dedication and service with many organizations.
Arlene Creasy is officially retired after a decades-long career with
the Social Security Administration. But don’t expect to find her sitting in a rocking chair, sipping a cool glass of iced tea.
Creasy, 69, of Gretna, pursued volun-teer activities throughout her working life. And now that she has more time, she sees it as the perfect chance to do more for her neighbors and friends.
“I loved every minute of my job with Social Security,” says Creasy, who was manager for the Danville, Martinsville and South Boston offices. “I love meeting people, helping people. I am very involved in the community. Being in the public work force, I just saw a need to join some organizations to help out in any way I could with the community and the city of Danville.”
Organizations Creasy has been or remains involved with include the YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Com merce, Gretna Junction Lions Club, Dan-Pitts American Business
Women’s Association, Goodwill Indus-tries, Pittsylvania County Economic Development, Pittsylvania Crimestop-pers, Pittsylvania County Social Services, and the Downtown Danville Association.
“I like what all these organizations stand for. Keeping so busy is very fulfil-ling,” Creasy says.
How does she keep track of all her commitments? Writing them on a calendar keeps her from double booking. Energy isn’t an issue – “I have no plans whatsoever to slow down,” she says.
Creasy loves to travel, play bridge and clean house during rare leisure time. Her husband, Wayne, is retired from the U.S. Postal Service.
Creasy also has beaten back personal challenges. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and had successful surgery and radiation.
“I was out of commission about a year,” she says. “All that time, I was thinking ‘how soon can I get back involved?’ Now, I’m 100 percent and going strong.”
She’s Simply Not the Retiring TypeP
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The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
150 Slayton Ave. • Danville, VA 24540(434) 766-6717 • www.ialr.org
Boasting state-of-the-art technology, world-class research centers, a spectacular conference center and numerous education courses, the IALR is a national model for rural economic transformation.
Research
Technology
Education
Photos of memorabilia from early in the career of pioneering rockabilly musician Janis Martin
Remembering‘Female Elvis’
When Wayne Whitt saw teenager Janis Martin perform her rocka-
billy songs on the Old Dominion Barn Dance in Richmond in the mid-1950s, he had no idea that he would not only meet her decades later, but marry her, as well.
Martin, dubbed the “Female Elvis Presley” by RCA Records, was a pioneer as one of few female performers in the rockabilly genre. She had a short-lived career in her teens, and then lived a quiet life in Danville before coming out of retirement to make music again in her later years. She died of cancer in September 2007 at 67.
“Never did I dream in my wildest imagination that I would ever meet up with her again,” Whitt says. “I wanted to meet her several times, but they wouldn’t let you go backstage to see her.”
After a career in the restaurant busi-ness, Whitt moved to the Danville area. His father had married Martin’s cousin, and his stepmother introduced Martin and Whitt.
“That’s how we met. We hit it off and that was the end of the story,” Whitt says. “We became husband and wife in about three months. I fell in love with her when I walked in the house that night and saw her.”
Martin resurrected her career in Europe where she played to packed houses. Whitt was always at her side; they were together for nearly 30 years.
“Her voice never broke,” he adds. “She got better and better. She never abused her voice. She could sing rock, she could sing blues, and she could sing country. But her life was into rockabilly – the beginning of rock ‘n’ roll.”
Whitt is promoting a collection of unreleased songs Martin recorded not long before her passing.
“The most important thing to her was her music and her family,” Whitt says. “She was a wonderful person – a wonderful wife.”
26 DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM DANVILLE
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Call or stop by today to find out more!
(434) 791-3180432 Hermitage Drive
Turn by River Oak Church of God off W. Main St./Rt. 29 S.
Voted best in 2008 because:
Danville Regional Foundation President and CEO Karl Stauber
The Danville Regional Foundation is making a difference – investing in
the Danville, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County, N.C., area today, and, more importantly, laying groundwork for a productive future.
Established in August 2006 to invest and distribute $200 million from the sale of the Danville Regional Medical Center to LifePoint Hospitals Inc., the foundation awards grants based not just on need – but opportunity and impact, says Karl Stauber, foundation president and CEO since August 2007.
“Need is certainly important,” Stauber says. “But if you have great need and at the end of the day [grant funds] don’t change anything, then that’s probably not a good investment.
“Part of the challenge has been to get people not to just tell us how bad things are,” Stauber says. “We look at our funds as investments in the com-mu nity designed to produce tangible community benefits. We don’t look at our grants as dollars that we’re giving away. We expect something for the community in return for every dollar that we invest, and that’s community improvement.”
Stauber was president and CEO of
the Northwest Area Foundation in St. Paul, Minn., before relocating to Danville to take the reins of the DRF.
“I moved here for two reasons,” Stauber says. “One is I think there are great opportunities here and I think it’s a great place to live. Having said all that, there are real challenges here. If the problems of this region are solved, the solutions are going to be led by the people in this region.”
Having an available source of funding
for those key solutions certainly helps.In the first part of 2008, DRF awarded
$628,275 to the BEST Coalition [Building Economic Success Together], $1.4 million to the Free Clinic of Danville and $2 million to the Industrial Development Authority of the city of Danville.
In July 2006, the largest grant to date, $9.7 million, was awarded to Danville Community College to build a Health Sciences Center.
– Stories by Anne Gillem
A Foundation With Maximum Impact
DANVILLE DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM 27
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DANVILLE AND PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY DRAW FIRMS FROM AROUND GLOBE
W hile many other parts of the country are fighting to keep jobs from going overseas, Danville and Pittsylvania County are enjoying a role reversal of that scenario as
international manufacturers line up to get in.Recent years have seen an influx of businesses based
overseas, all of which have successfully tapped into the mix of state and local incentives to get their operations up and
STORY BY JOE MORRIS
International
IKEA furniture manufacturing subsidiary Swedwood set up its first U.S. facility here. Right: Swedwood North America President Bengt Danielsson PHOTO BY TODD BENNETT
running. With a well-trained and qualified workforce on hand, the newcomers have seen steady growth since setting up shop and moving into production.
“Recently we’ve gotten Com.40 Ltd. and Swedwood to come here, but we’ve always had a good international presence,” says Jeff Reed, assistant director for Danville’s Office of Economic Development. “We’ve got other inter-national companies that have been here quite a while. In the last three or four years our announcements have become more international, though.”
The diversity of products manufactured by these companies is as high-profile as the locales from which they come.
Com.40 Ltd., a Poland-based firm, makes mattresses and upholstered furniture for the IKEA home furnishing chain. The company is expected to open its Danville plant in the near future, creating more than 800 jobs.
Com.40 followed suit after another IKEA-related venture, Swedwood North America, set up shop in Cane Creek Centre
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and began production in 2007. The furniture maker operates an 810,000-square-foot facility with approximately 150 workers and is expanding steadily, says Jorgen Lindquist, vice president.
“We’re into production, and are recruiting around 10 people a month,” Lindquist says. “We had a strong commitment from the city, county and state, and knew that we could come into the site and be up and running quickly. We are following our plan.”
More relatively new industrial residents include Britain’s Arista Tubes, a manufacturer of extruded plastic tubes, and its India-based parent company Essel Propack America, which produces laminated and plastic tubes for the oral, cosmetic and health-care industries. In addition to bringing Arista to the region, Essel Propack has expanded three times in the six years its plant has been operating. The most recent, a $14 million expansion, was completed in late 2007 and added a printing center that will serve both operations, says Bob Craig, regional human resources manager.
“With the addition of Arista we’ve also expanded from two to three shifts, and it looks like we have enough sustainable business to keep it that way,” Craig says.
The companies now have 293 employees in Danville, and
there’s no problem finding new workers when jobs open up.“We’re growing and busy, but we did our workforce
development here,” Craig says. “The resources that the state and federal governments have provided in that area have really made a big difference for us.”
Japan also has a strong presence here, as Techma U.S.A. continues its growth in Gretna. The maker of electrical components and cable harness assemblies for the automotive industry has a 90,000-square-foot facility and approximately 200 employees.
With just about every continent represented in the area, the region’s economic development leaders could be forgiven if they feel a bit like the United Nations these days. But they wouldn’t have it any other way.
“We’re trying to have as much diversity as we possibly can,” Reed says. “And our new companies are telling people that they’re thrilled with the support from the city and county, that we work really hard to exceed expectations.
“The workforce is here; the training support is here; the amenities they’re looking for are here,” Reed continues. “They’re pretty impressed with the whole package, and we don’t have any intention of slowing down anytime soon.”
Essel Propack is an India-based company that produces laminated and plastic tubes for the oral, cosmetic and health-care industries. A subsidiary, the British concern Arista Tubes, also has a site here. PHOTO BY TODD BENNETT
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Redefining RetailNEW COLEMAN MARKETPLACE TO MAKE DANVILLE A TRUE SHOPPING DESTINATION
There’s a new place to shop in Danville, and it’s
unlike anything the city has ever seen. In fact, it’s
the largest retail project in the area since the 1980s.
Coleman MarketPlace, a 465,000-sqare-foot
shopping center situated on 67 acres, is being
developed by North American Properties of Atlanta.
The development is located opposite Piedmont Mall,
and key retailers include Target, Ross Dress for Less,
The Home Depot, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Marshalls,
Old Navy and PETCO.
“Many of the retailers we’ve housed in this
project had been seeking locations in Danville, but
there was never a project that could congregate them
like this,” says Mark Toro, a partner in North American
Properties. “They saw the synergy created by a large
half-million square foot development as an advantage
for their shoppers.”
Coleman MarketPlace is made up of about
30 stores with an additional 74,000 square feet
of space that will be leased to service providers such
as Verizon; restaurants, including a Mexican and a
Chinese restaurant; and smaller stores. Retailers
began opening for business in June 2008 and
will continue to open into the fall, when a grand
opening for the entire development will be held.
“This is unique for Danville because it’s the first
powercenter being built there,” Toro says. “We call
it a powercenter because it’s congregating several
big-box retailers.”
When fully operational, Coleman MarketPlace
is expected to generate $140 million in sales and
bring an estimated 1,350 to 1,650 jobs to the city.
Retail is also on the rise in other areas of Danville.
A new Sam’s Club opened in March near the
intersection of Westover Drive and Piedmont Drive.
The store created more than 150 new jobs and
occupies approximately 130,000 square feet.
– Jessica Mozo
Retailers began opening for business in summer 2008 at the new Coleman Marketplace in Danville. PHOTO BY TODD BENNETT
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The Midtown Market opened in 1921 and has been in the family of current owner and manager Jan Grant Harris since 1952. Besides its meat and produce departments, the market is renowned for its chicken salad.
A BUYER’S MARKETFew Danville businesses have earned
the degree of customer loyalty given to Midtown Market. The quaint shop has served up some of the freshest meat, produce and specialty items since opening its doors on 7 Chamber Street 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 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.
Tourism officials joke that they receive enough phone calls about where to find the Midtown Market’s chicken salad to justify designating it as an official attraction.
ENSURING A BRIGHT FUTURE
Southern Virginia is brighter than ever these days, thanks to Northern Lites in Gretna.
Owned and operated by master elec-trician Ross Johnson, the store contains more than 75,000 fixtures and displays more than $50,000 worth of lighting in its South Main Street showroom. Staffed by American Lighting Association-trained experts, Northern Lites provides in-home design consultation at no charge, as well as lighting repair and “create your own light” services.
“You bring us what you want made into a lamp, we design it and, if you like it, we build it,” Johnson says.
As a division of Ross Electric Co., the store also provides the full range of electrical services.
Johnson says customers appreciate the store’s warm, welcoming atmosphere.
“Everybody is family here,” he says. “Come to the showroom one time and, whether you buy anything or not, we will have a nice visit and make a new friend, guaranteed.”
YOU CAN BANK ON ITLong before the days of ATMs and
online banking, American National Bank and Trust Company was serving the financial needs of the Danville community. Founded on Main Street in 1909, the full-service bank is the oldest independent, locally owned community bank in the market, employing more than 250 people in its 21 area offices.
“We have tried to build relationships with customers and the community,” says Charles Majors, president and chief executive officer. “Customers know us and are able to get a response to their requests very quickly. We try to find ways to meet their needs and work hard
32 DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM DANVILLE
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to make sure we offer the types of services customers want, primarily in technology.”
It’s not only the customers who benefit from the bank’s commitment to the community. Throughout the century, American National Bank and Trust Company has significantly supported local civic efforts and charities and encourages its employees to do the same.
42 GOOD YEARS,AND COUNTING
Business is rolling along smoothly at Danville’s Goodyear plant. Since 1966, the facility has operated as the world’s largest and most modern plant for manufacturing truck and aircraft tires. The plant’s future seems as promising as its past, with a June 2007 announce-ment that the company will invest $200 million here for facility expansion and equipment upgrades over the next several years.
Plant manager Terry Tennyson over-
sees the facility’s 2,400 employees and attributes Goodyear’s 40-plus years of success to the product as well as the people behind it.
“The Goodyear name and its repu-tation for superior quality is a definite start,” Tennyson says. “The Goodyear-Danville product line and the strength of the industries those products serve would be another reason for our success. To me, the most important things are the outstanding employees we have had and continue to attract as one of the largest employers in the entire Southside Virginia area.”
IN THE BAGDanville’s Gary and Michelle Bender
have an impressive history together. As parents of five, the husband-wife team of 28 years works side-by-side as owners of Dixie Bags and More Gift Shop. The popular South Ridge Street shop opened in 2007 to accommodate their 11-year custom handbag business, which now
produces thousands of bags annually.“Our quality and uniqueness set us
apart,” says Michelle Bender. “We don’t have what everyone else has.”
Bags are available in 20 different styles from coin purses to garment bags, and come in more than 150 fabrics. Bender says cat and dog prints are customer favorites.
The store also carries a variety of local and regional artwork, including pieces from Danville Art League mem-bers. In addition, customers find a wide selection of handmade gifts, from jewelry and baby bibs to candles and soaps.
“If you want that special gift everyone will notice, come see us,” Bender says.
– Melanie Hill
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Dixie Bags and More meets the needs of shoppers seeking truly unique items, as no two bags are exactly alike.
SEE VIDEO ONLINE | Learn more about Dixie Bags and More at danvillepittsylvaniaco.com.
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34 DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM DANVILLE
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W hen officials with the Dan-ville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce
decided to begin the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s accreditation process, they knew they had a pretty good shot at achieving that goal. What they didn’t expect was to snag the organization’s top honor, which is Five-Star Accreditation.
“I was extremely surprised that we got the five stars,” says Laurie Moran, president. “I fully anticipated that we would become accredited, which is a huge distinction in and of itself. But there are four different levels of that, from accreditation through three to five stars. I knew we had a strong application, but still was very pleasantly surprised.”
Following the merger of the Danville and Pittsylvania County chambers in July 2001, the new organization had to wait for a set period of time before pursuing accreditation. The staff was working on the various components of the accreditation criteria during those years, but Moran says she thought the
725-member chamber’s size might keep it from scoring top honors.
“This was our first time going through the process, and in looking at the larger chambers who had five stars, I didn’t think we had the resources or the capacity to match what they were doing,” she says. “But I knew we were doing a great job with our programs, so we went for it.”
The accreditation process is lengthy, involving documentation detailing everything from the chamber’s internal organizational procedures and policies to its roster of programs and their impact on the community.
“You have to provide up to four years of supporting data for some parts of the application,” Moran says. “We had been building toward the components that we think an outstanding chamber should have, and worked on the accreditation documents for about a year before we submitted them.”
Scoring all five stars puts the Danville Pittsylvania County chamber in an elite group. Of the 6,936 chambers in the
country which are recognized by the U.S. Chamber, only 41, or less than one percent, achieve this distinction. The benefits of the recognition are imme-diate, as the chamber now will be able to enhance its membership recruitment efforts and develop new programs and services.
“It’s a wonderful marketing tool for the chamber, but we see it in an even bigger picture in that it’s a huge marketing tool for our economic development offices,” Moran says. “As new businesses and companies look to locate in our area, the message is that not only are we able to attract businesses, but once they get here we have an organization in place with national recognition. And that organization is here to work with and assist those companies. We think it’s a huge benefit. It’s always nice to be courted by an area, but the proof is whether or not you’ll be able to succeed, not just sustain, once you’ve located in a community.”
– Joe Morris
Chamber Celebrates Star-Studded EventTOP ACCREDITATION BOOSTS CHAMBER’S PROFILE LOCALLY AND NATIONALLY
Linda Lawrence Dalton, co-owner of Lawrence Distributing Co., speaks at a legislative reception hosted by the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. Government relations was one of the core areas of accreditation.T
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515 Memorial Dr. • Danville, VA 24541
(434) 793-8322 • (800) 437-3885 • Fax (434) 797-2253
Carter Bank & Trust141 Westover Dr. • Danville, VA 24541 • (434) 793-3321
Carter Bank & TrustEight Offices in Danville & Pittsylvania County
124 Offices across Virginia & North Carolina
L to R: Gene Hayes, CIC, Robert Jones, CIC, Bob Willeford,
CIC, Nancy Clardy, Aaron Ewert, Jason Loughhead
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BUSINESS CLIMATEDanville and Pittsylvania County have some of the most innovative
incentives and business development programs in the nation. These
programs encourage growth and prosperity within the region’s
existing economy and bring new business investment to the area.
DANVILLE AND PITTSYLVANIA CO.
MAJOR INDUSTRIES
Industry Group Estab. Employees
Accommodation and Food Services 177 3,217
Admin., Support,Waste Mgmt., Remediation 109 2,812
Agriculture, Forestry,Fishing and Hunting 41 226
Arts, Entertainment and Recreation 27 343
Construction 287 2,061
Education Services 32 4,539
Finance and Insurance 138 1,047
Health Care and Social Assistance 213 5,542
Information 30 375
Management ofCompanies and Enterprises 18 332
Manufacturing 102 6,783
Mining N/A N/A
Other Services (except Public Admin.) 244 981
Professional, Scientific and Technical Svc 138 625
Public Administration 69 1,490
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 79 405
Retail Trade 442 6,627
Transportation and Warehousing 77 749
Utilities 11 226
Wholesale Trade 108 1,354
TOTAL 2,344 39,735
TRANSPORTATION
AirportDanville Regional
Airport, 799-5110
HighwaysAn excellent highway system
coupled with easy access to
Interstates 40 and 85 make
Danville extremely well
suited to reach mid-Atlantic
markets and international
shipping facilities.
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
Danville $26,900
Pittsylvania County $46,600
HOUSING COSTS
Median Home Value(Owner-occupied)Danville $71,900
Pittsylvania County $80,300
MEDIAN RENT
Danville $404
Pittsylvania County $398
DANVILLE MSA LABOR FORCE
May 2007Civilian Labor Force 51,596
Employed 48,560
Unemployed 3,036
Unemployment Rate 5.9%
BUSINESS RESOURCES
Better Business Bureau
(540) 342-3455
Community Foundation of the
Dan River Region, 793-0884
Dan River Business Development
Center, 793-9100
Danville Community
Market, 797-8961
Danville Economic
Development Office, 793-1753
Danville Pittsylvania County
Chamber of Commerce
836-6990
Danville Welcome
Center, 793-4636
Downtown Danville
Association, 791-4470
Longwood University SBDC:
Dan River, 791-7321
Pittsylvania County Economic
Development, 432-1669
Social Security
Administration
(800) 772-1213
DANVILLE DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM 37
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“Spirit to serve”
100% smoke free
89 rooms, three suites
Spacious lobby with cozy fireplace
Business center WHSI
Indoor spa tub & outdoor pool
Centrally located in the heart of Danville
Complimentary coffee in lobby
Restaurant delivery service
Valet service
Restaurant serving breakfast only:
6 a.m.-10 a.m. Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-11 a.m. Sat.-Sun.
Meeting space: Executive & special occasion suites
Marriott rewards
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(434) 793-4000Fax: (434) 799-5516
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Located on the Dan River
Free breakfast bar: Gourmet cinnamon buns, boiled eggs, cereals, bagels, danishes, milk, juices & 100% Arabica Smart Roast Coffee
Priority Club
Guest rooms: Comfortable beds, soft & firm pillows, duvet, in-room coffee service, micro-fridge, PPV & movie channels
Outdoor pool & fitness privileges at Perfect Body
New bath amenities: Kohler shower head, curved rod & plush 100% cotton towels
Business center with free WHSI
Walking/bike trail
2136 Riverside Dr. (Rt. 58 E.)Danville, VA 24540(434) 791-2661Fax: (434) [email protected]
Fueling Fast Friendships in the Southside for Over 50 Years
Danville, VA • (434) 792-8022
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Gretna, VA • (434) 656-2250
Martinsville, VA • (276) 632-4131
Siler City, NC • (919) 742-4165
ABERCROMBIE OIL COMPANY
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MAJOR EMPLOYERS
Company No. of Employees
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. 2,447
Danville Regional Medical Center 1,636
Pittsylvania County School System 1,515
Danville Public Schools 1,251
City of Danville 1,203
Telvista 700
Nestle USA Inc. 567
Wal-Mart 450
Unique Industries 425
Danville Community College 356
CIT 350
Roman Eagle Memorial Home 350
Intertape Polymer Group 285
A.C. Furniture Inc. 275
Columbia Forest Products 248
Columbia Forest Products, Flooring Division 232
Yorktowne Cabinetry 230
LOCAL TAXES
Property Tax Rate $100Real Estate (Market Value)
City of Danville .73
Pittsylvania County .53
Town of Chatham .22
Town of Gretna .21
Town of Hurt .14
Machinery & Tools (Original Cost)
City of Danville $1.50
Pittsylvania County at 10% $4.50
Automobiles (Market Value)
City of Danville $3.00
Pittsylvania County at 30% $7.75
Town of Chatham $4.50
Town of Gretna $2.00
Town of Hurt $2.50
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Pittsylvania County
Economic Development
34 N. Main St., P.O.Box 1122
Chatham, VA 24531
Phone: 432-1669
Fax: 432-1709
www.pittced.com
City of Danville Office of
Economic Development
427 Patton St., P.O. Box 3300
Danville, VA 24543-3300
Phone: 793-1753
Fax: 797-9606
www.discoverdanville.com
E-mail: econdev@
DiscoverDanville.com
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
E-mail: chamber@
dpchamber.org
Sources:
www.discoverdanville.com, www.dpchamber.org,www.pittced.com,www.vaworkconnect.com
DISTANCE TO MAJOR CITIES
Greensboro, N.C. 53 miles
Lynchburg 50 miles
Richmond 140 miles
Roanoke 68 miles
Washington, D.C. 279 miles
DANVILLE DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM 39
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Inspirational” is the only way to accu-rately describe the story of Woodrow Wilson Magnet Elementary School.In 2008, the K-5 elementary, which
was once considered to be an underper-forming institution, became one of only 89 schools statewide – and three locally – to receive the prestigious Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence. Also making the list were Danville’s Forest Hills Elementary and Pittsylvania County’s John L. Hurt Jr. Elementary School.
The recognition came as welcome, but not necessarily surprising, news to Woodrow Wilson Magnet Elementary School’s dedicated faculty and approx-imately 180 students.
“We were thrilled,” says Dr. Sue Davis, superintendent of Danville Public Schools. “The schools are very different in demographics but children are achieving at the same high levels. Woodrow teachers have surrounded students with support and assistance and have high expectations for the children. They don’t consider failure an
option, from the moment students walk into kindergarten.”
The school also was selected as one of 25 national recipients of the Reading Is Fundamental Program Excellence Honors for 2008. The program recognizes schools and other groups that have successfully partnered with outside organizations to advance children’s literacy in their communities.
Woodrow Wilson’s story seemed unimaginable a decade ago, before former principal Judy Williams joined the economically disadvantaged school. Williams, who Davis calls a “turnaround specialist,” looked past the school’s poor scores and inability to receive state accred-itation and saw a school with potential.
Today, Jocelyn Fitzgerald is principal and continues the mission established by the now-retired Williams.
“Our motto is, ‘We build relation-ships,’ and we’re trying to echo this throughout the community because that’s more important than anything else,” says Fitzgerald, a former guidance
Inspiring TurnaroundWOODROW WILSON MAGNET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHINES, EARNING STATE AND NATIONAL HONORS
“
Claudia Easley leads her first-grade class through an exercise at the Woodrow Wilson Magnet School in Danville.
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counselor at the school. “Team effort has been a No. 1 priority.”
Through partnerships with parents, staff and the community, the school now focuses on targeted intervention, small group instruction, developing community relationships and realigning curricula to meet state standards. Students also benefit from reading and dance clubs, morning reading and math tutorial programs and a mentoring program with students from Averett University. Fitzgerald says the mentoring program has had a tremendous impact on students’ science and history scores.
“At one time, we were labeled a little school that could, and now we’re the school that’s seen as a trailblazer for educational excellence in the community,” Fitzgerald says. “We’ve turned this negative into a positive through team buy-in and promoting goodness in things that are happening in our school.”
Davis says the school’s story has sent a real message about the caliber of students at Woodrow Wilson Magnet Elementary, which has set the bar for other schools throughout the district.
“Woodrow Wilson is a shining star,” Davis says. “Parents, teachers and child-ren are all so proud of their school.”
– Melanie Hill
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Kenny Lewis is a role model in every sense. From pro football star to principal, the George
Washington High alumnus has contin-ually found new ways to reinvent himself, inspiring generations of Danville youth in the process.
As a star athlete at GW, young Lewis soon gained the attention of coaches at Virginia Tech. One year before his Tech graduation, Lewis was drafted by the New York Jets, kicking off a four-year NFL career. Despite his success in the pros, Danville’s star athlete left the NFL spotlight to complete his academic career at Tech. Today, Lewis has dedicated his career to inspiring a new generation of students as principal and director of alternative education at the George Washington-Langston Campus.
“I returned to Danville because I felt like it was destiny for me to come back,” Lewis says. “I was supported by the Danville community and especially the education system as I grew up, and I felt compelled to come back and support this community.”
Since joining Danville Public Schools in 1985, Lewis has served as teacher, coach, principal and director in the district’s elementary, middle and high schools. Lewis currently is preparing the Langston Campus for its transition to a comprehensive alternative education program in 2010.
“No one has the same academic needs, so we look at a variety of ways to make sure students receive some sort of credential,” Lewis says.
Today, the highly respected adminis-trator uses his life story and achievements as an example to his students that they too can achieve their dreams with enough determination and discipline. Lewis cofounded the Boys & Girls Club of Danville, started the city’s church-based tutorial program and has served on numerous nonprofit boards.
“I use my stature as a drawing card to tell teenagers, ‘If you can put your mind to it and use the gifts God’s given you, you can achieve your goals,’” Lewis says. – Melanie Hill
Follow This Guiding PrincipalFORMER PRO ATHLETE KENNY LEWIS INSPIRES STUDENTS TO ACHIEVE FULL POTENTIAL
Former New York Jets player Kenny Lewis returned home to Danville after completing his studies at Virginia Tech. He is the principal and director of alternative education at the George Washington-Langston Campus.
DANVILLE DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM 41
Education
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Few places paint Danville’s colorful history like the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History.
Located in the Sutherlin Mansion on Main Street’s Millionaires Row, the antebellum home originally served as the residence of tobacco entrepreneur and former Danville mayor Major William T. Sutherlin. In 1865, the house became the temporary residence of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. It was in this home that Davis would pen his last official proclamation as president of the Confederacy, shaping Danville’s legacy as the Last Capital of the Confederacy.
In 1928, Sutherlin Mansion was transformed into Danville’s public library and, for nearly 50 years, welcomed the county’s literary-minded men, women and children. Today the Italian Villa style structure greets a new generation of curious guests as the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History. As a partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, the museum offers a wide variety of exhibitions, classes, work-shops, camps and educational programs for the entire family.
“We’re the area’s only art and history museum and bring in exhibits that most people just wouldn’t have the opportunity to see otherwise,” says executive director Lynne Bjarnesen.
The museum houses many permanent exhibits, including “Between the Lines: Danville 1861-1865.” The collection offers a glimpse into the city’s historic past and is a popular draw for local and out-of-town Civil War enthusiasts. Visitors also find an eclectic mix of traveling exhibits featuring local, regional and national artists. Scheduled presentations for late 2008 and 2009 include colorful works by Virginia illustrator Adjoa Burrowes, as well as artifacts and images from The Wreck of the Old 97 – one of the most historic train tragedies in history, which occurred in Danville. The museum also will host the 13th annual juried art show by Danville’s Art League, as well as student shows by young artists from Averett University and Danville and Pittsylvania County Public Schools. Additional exhibits include glass art from South Carolina’s One Eared Cow Studios, the Modern Masters collection, pieces from Dallas-based painter Ron Clark and more.
Visitors also can take advantage of the museum’s numerous tours, art classes and educational programs for adults and kids. Educators provide in-school tours and also teach kids about local history through the museum’s annual Sutherlin Guard Civil War Camps. The five-day program features a Civil War reenactment and helps children ages 8 to 12 understand what life was like during Danville’s earliest days. Family fun
also can be found outdoors at Sutherlin Mansion, where events such as Art on the Lawn, History on the Lawn, Civil War Encampments and Mandolins & Magnolias take place.
“Visitors leave with a good feeling and hopefully have a better understanding and an added dimension to the Civil War and Danville’s role,” Bjarnesen says.
– Melanie Hill
Painting a Colorful HistoryDANVILLE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS AND HISTORY SHOWCASES AREA’S CULTURE
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Visitors enjoy the Arts on the Lawn event at the Danville Museum of Art and History. Left: The museum is within the beautifully appointed and historic Sutherlin Mansion, also known as the Last Capitol of the Confederacy.
DANVILLE DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM 43
Arts & Culture
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Looking for ways to save money
on gas and help the environment?
The EPA wants to share some
smart driving tips that could give
you more miles per gallon of gas
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where possible, accelerate and
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we each adopt just one of these
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more tips and to compare cleaner,
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www.epa.gov/greenvehicles.
Save Money. Smell the Flowers.
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Proudly supporting you & the community for a better tomorrow
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44 DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM DANVILLE
727 sports.indd 44 7/23/08 11:23:58 AM
There are plenty of underage drivers at the VIRginia International Raceway these days, but nobody’s very worried about that fact.
The raceway now hosts two youth-oriented programs, Camp Motorsport and the Academy of Motorsports.
The camp, which began in summer 2007, gives students ages 10-16 the chance to spend a week at the track, sleeping in a converted garage. While there, they get involved in every aspect of the track’s operations.
The Academy, which launches during fall 2008, is a lengthier affair, covering an entire school year. Both join existing programs for students at the university level, and are key to the track’s goal of promoting youth activities and education, says Connie Nyholm, managing partner and member of the VIR ownership team.
“We promote education heavily, so we started from the top down,” Nyholm says. “We’ve got two initiatives already with Virginia Tech and Old Dominion University, working with doctorate and master’s students. Now we’re going down the ladder into the schools with the academy and camp. We hope that this experience will be great for them, and that they’ll grow up into young racers.”
Camp Motorsport’s pilot season was successful enough to earn it accreditation from the American Camp Association, and the feedback was great, says Diane Tyrrell, camp director.
“The universal response is that this is the coolest thing anyone’s ever heard of,” Tyrrell says. “All we got was encourage-ment, so we’re going to continue to grow it.”
In 2008 the camp will run for four weeks, expanding eventually to eight sessions. It can accommodate 80 campers at a time, who live in garages that have been converted to air-conditioned dorms for the duration. The activities will be a blend of track-specific events and traditional camp staples.
“One of the track’s owners, Harvey Siegel, had attended summer camp as a child, and this was a dream of his,” Tyrrell says. “This really is his Disneyland.”
The Academy of Motorsports is like a ramped-up version of Camp Motorsport. Students will spend the mornings attending classes at the Carlisle School, where they will live, and then spend the remainder of the day at the raceway, says Ken Martin, project manager.
“They’ll be attending an outstanding private school, and then have motor sports as their athletics selection, much like the way a golf or tennis academy operates,” Martin says. “There’s a wide assortment of things they’ll be doing: driving, simulator activities, going to race shops, seeing how cars are actually built and pit-crew type work.”
Students also will delve into the off-track side of the business, exploring everything from marketing to advertising and securing sponsorships. – Joe Morris
Camp Motorsport at VIRginia International Raceway combines traditional and non-traditional camping experiences.
For Youth Driven To SucceedVIR PROGRAMS PROVIDE YEAR-ROUND MOTOR SPORTS LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
DANVILLE DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM 45
Sports & Recreation
727 sports.indd 45 7/23/08 11:23:59 AM
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46 DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM DANVILLE
Health & Wellness
727 health.indd 46 7/23/08 11:23:07 AM
Independent living and assisted livingDo you want an environment where life is vibrant, secure and offers the freedom to live independently? Then we invite you to Stratford House. Danville’s premier not-for-profit retirement community. Whether you need independent living or assisted living, Stratford House offers all the amenities and services you need at an affordable price.
Fine dining • 24-hour security • Housekeeping • Full activity calendar • Fitness center • Library Beauty shop • Transportation • Internet access • Emergency call system
Assisted living features all private rooms and club level apartments. All independent and assisted living services you need are provided to keep you as independent as possible!
Call us today to learn more about the lifestyle you deserve!1111 Main St. • Danville, VA • (434) 799-2266 • www.stratfordhouse.com
ARE YOU READY TO EXPERIENCE RETIREMENT LIVING AT ITS FINEST?Premier living. Premier services. Premier care.
DANVILLE DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM 47
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727 health.indd 48 7/23/08 11:23:09 AM
If you bump into Danville Regional Medical Center CEO Jerel Humphrey and ask “What’s new?” be prepared
for a lengthy chat. He has good reason.Not only is Humphrey himself new
to Danville Regional, the hospital itself has been rolling out renovations and additional services at a dizzying pace. A renovated emergency department is just part of the $25 million the hospital has spent on improvements in the last couple of years, while at the same time expanding cutting-edge treatments and renewing relationships such as its cardiac surgery services agreement with
the Duke Private Diagnostic Clinic at Danville Regional.
All in all, it’s an exciting time at the hospital, Humphrey says.
“There are many positive accomplish-ments taking place now, and I believe the improvements will continue,” he says. “The continuation of our cardiac surgery services agreement with Duke Private Diagnostic Clinic following a stringent quality assessment by Duke is a very important accomplishment. Dr. Richard Embrey’s arrival as the new Duke cardiac surgeon for our program is a true blessing for anyone who needs
Danville Regional Medical Center recently opened its state-of-the-art cardiac-care unit on the sixth floor of its Landon R. Wyatt Jr. Tower.PHOTO BY TODD BENNETT
Experiencing Healthy GrowthDANVILLE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER EXPANDS AND RENOVATES TO MEET EVOLVING NEEDS
open-heart surgery. His skills and talent are unprecedented in this region. And over the past year we’ve added several highly skilled physicians to our medical staff, as physician recruitment continues to be a major priority for us.”
The Duke agreement, which now will run through June 2010, was announced only after Duke Heart Center staff did a full assessment of the operation, including a review of medical records, charts and clinical processes, as well as meeting with cardiologists and others to evaluate how well the partnership between the two entities was working.
Danville Regional’s cardiac patients will also benefit from a new location on the sixth floor of the Landon R. Wyatt Jr. Tower. The 17,500-square-foot facility can serve 46 patients. The state-of-the-art cardiac operation is just the latest in technology improvements, which include the addition of a new linear accelerator, 64-slice and 4-slice CT scanning equipment and updated anesthesia machines. The hospital also has added a new acute-care nursing unit, an addition to the Center for Radiation Oncology to make room for the new accelerator and new rooms for the scanners.
It’s a long and comprehensive list, but the hospital is not done yet, or even close. For Humphrey, it’s about finding the right mix of services that will best suit the area’s needs, then making those happen.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve our services,” he says. “That’s what we are here for – to provide the best health care in the region. With the help of our dedicated physicians, nurses and health-care professionals, along with the community’s continued support and encouragement, Danville Regional will continue to provide the Dan River Region with exceptional health-care services and programs.” – Joe Morris
DANVILLE DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM 49
Health & Wellness
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Take This Call!REVERSE 911 KEEPS
RESIDENTS IN LOOP
Whether it’s locating
a missing person or
evacuating a portion of the
city, Danville’s new Reverse
911 system can be a vital tool.
Purchased with Department
of Homeland Security grant
money, the system can be
used to dial every registered
telephone number within
city limits, giving the callers
information regarding any
public-safety issue. Calls may
also be placed to specific
neighborhoods.
Since becoming fully
operational, the system already
has been used to successfully
find a missing man, but it
won’t be put into service too
frequently, says Doug Young,
emergency services director.
“We will be using it for
emergencies, not general
notifications, because we want
to be selective,” Young says.
“We’ll probably use it mostly
in isolated areas, where you
highlight the area you want to
call. If we need to evacuate an
area we can record a message,
have those numbers called and
when they pick up, they’ll hear
what they need to do. If they
have voice mail, a message
will be left.”
In addition, the system
also can provide a number for
residents to call and receive
updates on whatever may be
happening, and if evacuated,
when they might expect to
return home. Other applications
include programming in
targeted businesses or groups,
such as pharmacies, if law
enforcement requests aid in
getting information out about
counterfeit prescriptions or
other citywide issues.
– Joe Morris
50 DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM DANVILLE
Health & Wellness
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Main Street Bridge in Danville
DANVILLE DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM 51
Image Gallery | PHOTO BY IAN CURCIO
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52 DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM DANVILLE
Image Gallery
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Danville’s historic Tobacco Warehouse District
DANVILLE DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM 53
PHOTO BY TODD BENNETT
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The Perkinson Rose Garden at the Danville Museum of Art and History
54 DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM DANVILLE
Image Gallery
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Wrought-iron fence along Millionaires Row
DANVILLE DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM 55
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD BENNETT
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56 DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM DANVILLE
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DANVILLE AND PITTSYLVANIA CO.
SNAPSHOTDanville and Pittsylvania County offer a host of simple pleasures
and cultural opportunities. Danville is a place where the city’s
“past decorates its neighborhoods and whose Main Street
mansions are a spectacular display of Victorian architecture.”
CLIMATE
Average January High
Temperature, 45.4 F
Average January Low
Temperature, 23.2 F
Average July High
Temperature, 89.2 F
Average July Low
Temperature, 65.7 F
Mean Annual
Temperature, 52.0 F
Average Annual
Rainfall, 34.7 inches
Average Annual
Snowfall, 3.30 inches
EDUCATION
Public Schools
Danville Public Schools
http//:web.dps.k12.va.us
799-6400
Pittsylvania County Schools
www.pcs.k12.va.us/public/
793-1624, 432-2761, 656-6248
Private Schools
Abundant Life Academy
www.alwoc.org, 799-8542
Carlisle School
www.carlisleschool.org
(276) 632-7288
Chatham Hall
www.chathamhall.org
432-2941
Faith Christian Academy
www.fcavirginia.com
324-8276
Hargrave Military Academy
www.hargrave.edu
432-2481
Sacred Heart School
www.sheartschool.com
793-2656
Seventh Day Adventist
Elementary, 822-0356
Sylvan Learning Center
www.educate.com/
centers/24540, 799-6900
Westover Christian Academy
www.westoverministries.org
822-0800
Woodlawn Academy
www.woodlawnacademy.net
432-9244
Higher EducationAverett University
www.averett.edu
791-5600
Danville Community College
www.dcc.vccs.edu
797-2222
DRMC School of Nursing
www.danvilleregional.org
799-4510
Institute for Advanced
Learning & Research
ww.ialr.org, 766-6700
National College
www.national-college.edu
793-6822
UTILITIES
Cable
Comcast, (888) 266-2278
Chatmoss Cablevision
685-1521
Electricity
American Electric Power
(800) 956-4237
City of Danville, 799-5155
Dominion Virginia Power
(888) 667-3000
Mecklenburg Electric
656-1288
Southside Electric
(800) 552-2118
Natural Gas
City of Danville, 799-5280
Columbia Gas of Virginia
(800) 543-8911
Telephone
EMBARQ, (276) 666-1200
Peoples Mutual Telephone
656-2291
Verizon, 954-6222
WaterCity of Danville, 799-5280
Pittsylvania County Service Authority, 836-7135
Town of Chatham, 432-8153
Industry Week magazine named Danville one of its Top 25 World-Class Communities out of 310 U.S. metropolitan
statistical areas based on its recent manufacturing prowess.
The area code for Danvi l le and Pit tsylvania County is 434 . DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM 57
Community Profile
727 community profile.indd 57 7/23/08 11:19:29 AM
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Online banking & bill pay • ATM card • VISA check card • Direct Deposit • Free checkingIndividual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) • Safe deposit boxes • Christmas & vacation clubs
First State TeleBanc (877) 884-8526 • Combined checking & savings statements • Overdraft PrivilegeMoney market accounts • Certificates of deposit • Statement savings • Super NOW Account
We also offer 15-year and 30-year mortgages, first-time home buyer programs and other consumer and commercial loans.
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COURTYARD CONFERENCE CENTERS
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727 community profile.indd 58 7/23/08 11:19:31 AM
Town of Gretna, 656-6572
Town of Hurt, 324-4411
MEDICAL FACILITY
Danville Regional
Medical Center
www.danvilleregional.org
799-2100
LIBRARIES
Danville Public Library
799-5195
Danville Law Library, 799-5118
Danville Library-Westover
799-5152
Pittsylvania County Library
432-3271
Pittsylvania Library – Gretna
656-2579
Pittsylvania Library –
Brosville-Cascade
685-1285
Pittsylvania Library –
Mount Hermon, 835-0326
MEDIA
Newspapers
Danville Register & Bee (daily)
www.registerbee.com
793-2311
The Star-Tribune (weekly)
www.chathamstartribune.com
432-2791
Television Stations
WDBJ 7
www.wdbj7.com
799-1700
WGSR – Star 39
791-3440
WSET-TV Virginia’s 13, ABC
www.wset.com, 797-9713
WSLS 10
www.wsls.com
(540) 981-9126
Radio Stations
News Radio 1330 WBTM
www.wbtm1330.com
793-4411
WAKG FM 103.3
www.wakg.com
797-4290
WILA Radio
792-2133
WDVA – Great Gospel
797-1250
WKBY
432-8108
WMNA
432-4730
GOLF
Ringgold Golf Club
State Road 734 off
U. S. 58 East, 822-8728
Caswell Pines Golf Club
County Home Road off
U.S. 86 South in Yanceyville,
N.C., (910) 694-2255
Cedars Country Club
Anderson Mill Road, Chatham
656-9909, open to the
public on weekends
ATTRACTIONS
American Armoured
Foundation Tank Museum
836-5323
Carrington Pavilion
797-8961
Cooper’s R/C Racecenter
724-7342
Danville Association of
Arts & Humanities
792-6965
Danville Braves
797-3792
Danville Concert Association,
792-9242
Danville Museum of Fine Arts
& History, 793-5644
Danville Parks, Recreation
& Tourism, 799-5200
Danville Pittsylvania County
Fair Association, 822-6850
Danville Science Center
791-5160
Danville Symphony
Orchestra, 799-0494
Danville Welcome Center
793-4636
Estelle H. Womack Museum
of Natural History, 791-5160
Gretna Theatre, 656-3377
The North Theatre, 792-2700
South Boston Speedway
572-4947
Tomahawk Mill
Winery, 432-1063
Veteran’s Memorial Wall &
Walkway, 793-0884
VIRginia International
Raceway, (888) RACE-099
Virginia Museum of Natural
History, (276) 634-4141
NUMBERS TO KNOW
City of Danville, 799-5100
Pittsylvania Co., 432-7700
Town of Chatham, 432-9515
Town of Gretna, 656-6572
Town of Hurt, 324-4411
Animal Information
Animal Control – Pittsylvania
County, 432-7937
Dog Licenses – Danville
799-5140
Humane Society, 799-0843
Building Codes/Permits
City of Danville, 799-5261
Pittsylvania County, 432-7755
Garbage Collection
City of Danville, 799-5245
First Piedmont Corp.
432-0211
Police (Non-Emergencies)
Chatham Police Department
432-9515
Danville Police Department
799-5111
Danville Sheriff’s Office
799-5135
Gretna Police Department
656-6123
Hurt Police Department
324-8511
Pittsylvania County Sheriff
432-7800
Virginia State Police
(800) 553-3144
Voter Registration
Danville, 799-6560
Pittsylvania County
432-7971
The area code for Danvi l le and Pit tsylvania County is 434 . DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM 59
Community Profile
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
August
1FRIDAY AT THE CROSSINGCarrington Pavilion at the
Crossing at the Dan, 793-4636
www.visitdanville.com
8, 9RODEO AT DANVILLE-PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS822-6850
www.dpcfairgrounds.com
September
3SHRIMP FESTDanville Community Market
836-6990
5FRIDAY AT THE CROSSINGCarrington Pavilion at the
Crossing at the Dan, 793-4636
www.visitdanville.com
13DANVILLE HALF MARATHON & RIVER CITY 5K RUN/WALK797-8470
www.danvillehalfmarathon.com
19-27FAIR AT DANVILLE PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS822-6850
www.dpcfairgrounds.com
27SORGHUM FESTIVAL AT CLIMAX432-9679
October
3FRIDAY AT THE CROSSINGCarrington Pavilion at the
Crossing at the Dan
793-4636
www.visitdanville.com
4CALLANDS AUTUMN POTPOURRI FESTIVAL
18GRETNA OLD TIMERS’ JUBILEE
18DANVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAGeorge Washington High
School Auditorium
www.danvillesymphony.net
18GRETNA OLD TIMERS’ JUBILEE
18DANVILLE SYMPHONY
60 DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM DANVILLE
Community Profile
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Can you imagine …a world without children?
We Can’t.Call 1-800-996-4100 to help.
www.stjude.org
18
BRIGHT LEAF BREW FESTDanville Community Market
793-4636
www.visitdanville.com
November
1
AAF TANK MUSEUM CAR SHOW836-5323
www.aaftankmuseum.com
December
5-6CHRISTMAS IN HISTORIC CHATHAM432-7721
6CHATHAM CHRISTMAS PARADE432-4221
13RIVERVIEW ROTARY’S CHRISTMAS PARADE793-4636
www.visitdanville.com
13
DANVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAGeorge Washington High
School Auditorium
www.danvillesymphony.net
14GRETNA CHRISTMAS PARADE
5-6
The area code for Danvi l le and Pit tsylvania County is 434 . DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM 61
727 community profile.indd 61 7/23/08 11:19:34 AM
In 1982, Nancy Brinker promised her dying sister, Suzy, she’d find a
cure for breast cancer. That promise led to research and treatment
innovations, education and screening.
Join the effort at www.komen.org
or 1.800 I’M AWARE®.
This space provided as a public service. ©2004, The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
A sister’s promise couldn’t save Suzy Komen from breast cancer.But one day it might save you.
Abercrombie Oil Company Inc.
www.abercrombieoil.com
Allstate – R. David Wrenn
www.allstate.com/davidwrenn
American National Bank
& Trust Company
www.amnb.com
Bankers Insurance
Ben David Jewelers
www.bendavidjewelers.com
Coldwell Banker – Johnson Realty
of Virginia
www.cbjrealty.net
Daly Seven
www.dalysevenhotels.com
Danville Community College
www.dcc.vccs.edu
Danville Economic Development
www.discoverdanville.com
Danville Pittsylvania County
Chamber of Commerce
www.dpchamber.org
Danville Regional
Medical Center
www.danvilleregional.com
Danville Surgical Center Inc.
Dewberry
www.dewberry.com
Eagle Pointe Shores
www.eaglepointeshores.com
EV Enterprises
www.eve-inc.com
First State Bank
www.efi rststatebank.com
Goodyear
www.goodyear.com
Institute for Advanced
Learning & Research
www.ialr.org
Johnson CPA PLLC
www.cpa-johnson.com
Loyalton of Danville
www.emeritus.com/locations/
communities/default.aspx/loyalton
New College Institute
www.newcollegeinstitute.org
Offi ce Plus Business Centre
www.opbizz.com
Piedmont Health & Wellness
Pittsylvania County
Economic Development
www.pittced.com
Prudential Manasco Realty
www.manasco.com
ServiceMaster
Commercial Cleaning
www.4servicemaster.com/va/5325
SIPS of America Inc.
www.sipsofamerica.com
State Farm – Terry Blakely
www.terryblakely.net
Stratford Courtyard
Conference Centers
www.courtyardconference
centers.com
Stratford House
www.stratfordhouse.com
URW Community Federal
Credit Union
www.urwfcu.org
Virginia International Raceway
www.virclub.com
Virginia Museum of Natural History
www.vmnh.net
Virginia Uranium Inc.
www.virginiauranium.com
Wilkins & Company Realtors
www.wilkinsandco.com
Visit Our Advertisers
Sources:
www.dpchamber.org,www.visitdanville.com
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
Fax: (434) 836-6955
June
5
FRIDAY AT THE CROSSINGCarrington Pavilion at the
Crossing at the Dan
793-4636
www.visitdanville.com
July
3
FRIDAY AT THE CROSSINGCarrington Pavilion at the
Crossing at the Dan
793-4636
www.visitdanville.com
4
PATRIOT CHALLENGE 5K, 10K, WALK, KIDS FUN RUNAnglers’ Ridge
793-4636
www.visitdanville.com
4
4TH OF JULY CELEBRATIONCarrington Pavilion
The Crossing at the Dan
793-4636
www.visitdanville.com
The area code for Danvi l le and Pit tsylvania County is 434 . DANVILLEPITTSYLVANIACO.COM 63
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In Danville, Virginia We Have A Place For You …
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… To Work: Attracting over $800 million in investment from both foreign and domestic companies over the past four years, Danville, VA has announced 7,000 new jobs to the area. With a diverse economy that includes career opportunities in research, technology, advanced manufacturing, retail, health care and education, we have a place for you to work. In addition, for those who may be considering a new career path, there are numerous programs available for industry specifi c job training such as:
• Customized Pre-Employment Job Training through Danville Community College
• Screening and placement services through the Virginia Employment Commission Job Service Program
• On-the-job training/youth summer employment
… To Play: Danville is a great place to play and have fun getting away from the everyday hustle and bustle. Maybe you want to relax by fi shing in the Dan River or strolling down the Riverwalk Trail. If biking is your forte, we have seven and a half miles of multiuse trail and 15 miles of dirt, mountain bike trails that will surely impress you. Danville has a place for you to play including 10 recreation centers totaling 120,710 square feet, 24 playgrounds, 26 athletic fi elds and 475 park acres, and fi ve rugby fi elds, all beautifully maintained.
Danville Parks, Recreation and Tourism offers diverse programs for all ages from preschoolers to senior citizens, from basket weaving to belly dancing. Children of all ages will fi nd a summer camp designed especially for them. Everyone will enjoy our special events such as the Festival in the Park, the Summer Movies in the Park series and many more. However you like to play, you will fi nd it in Danville, VA.
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… To Learn: Danville Public Schools is preparing the youth of today for their entry into society. With a new emphasis on technology, we have a place for you to learn to be competitive in this new future, to develop and master literacy and numeracy skills, and become a life-long learner. Danville Public Schools is preparing future generations by focusing more on skill development and less on memorization of rote facts and by integrating technology and project-based learning into daily classroom instruction. Activities such as robotics, theater arts, chorus, band, athletics and fi ne arts contribute to student’s abilities to integrate knowledge. Community-based learning offers students the opportunity to grow into individuals who can work together for the greater good. You can even get an International Baccalaureate Degree at Galileo Magnet High School, voted among the top 5% of America’s public high schools by U.S. News & World Report.
… To Visit: Danville is known for its hospitality. In Danville, VA we have a place for you to visit, and you may fi nd you want to stay forever. The southern hospitality will capture your attention, but what will keep you wanting more is the vast history, beautiful architecture and variety of entertainment. Danville is the home of the last capitol of the Confederacy, the wreck of the Old 97 and many museums and attractions.
You will always discover something to do in Danville. Visit the Crossing at the Dan that encompasses the Carrington Pavilion, Farmers Market and Danville Science Museum. The Carrington Pavilion hosts nationally known artists for the Harvest Jubilee Concert Series and local bands at Fridays at the Crossing. The Farmers Market is open every Saturday morning from May through October to offer you the best and freshest local produce, as well as baked goods and unique gift items. Also, you will want to catch a Danville Braves game for great rookie league baseball action. Danville is sure to capture your attention from the beginning to the end, making you a fan for life. We have a place for you to visit – often!
… To Live: Nestled along the banks of the Dan River, the term “southern hospitality” has real meaning here. In Danville, VA you will discover a relaxed pace and very comfortable cost of living. Danville’s rich cultural heritage has fostered several museums, a symphony orchestra, and various performing and visual arts series, providing ample opportunities for cultural activities. The moderate climate with four distinct seasonal changes makes it easy to enjoy the many outdoor activities and venues. We have a place for you to live, whether you prefer a downtown loft apartment, a Guilded Age mansion, a home in the suburbs, on a golf course or an elegant retirement village.
Discover your place in Danville, Virginia!
The people whose job it is to know, know Danville, Virginia:
“Top fi ve micro cities.”
-fDi Magazine
“Top 10 metros
under 200,000.”
-Site Selection
“Top 15 for
corporate investment.”
-Trade &
Industry Development
“Top 25 world-
class communities.”
-Industry Week
“Best state for business”
-www.Forbes.com
“National fi nalist Excellence
in Innovation Award”
-US Dept. of
Commerce Economic
Development Administration
“Top 10 Comeback Kids”
-Southern Business Development
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www.wehaveaplaceforyou.com
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