News release by the Chamber of Commerce
The Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism, the Pittsylvania County Economic Development Department, the River District Association, and the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, will celebrate Business Appreciation Week from June 3-7.
“Supporting and engaging with our valued existing businesses is at the core of the Danville-Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce,” says Anne Moore-Sparks, President and CEO. “The Chamber offers networking and business development opportunities throughout the year, including Business After Hours, Morning Brew, and other programming, to directly engage with our members and facilitate connections among businesses. With a membership of 575 member organizations, representing more than 22,000 member employees, the Chamber strives to build relationships with businesses of all sizes.”
To celebrate Business Appreciation Week, city and county partners will hold a luncheon to connect existing businesses and industries to diverse resources, such as financing and workforce development, and networking opportunities.
“Existing businesses are the foundation of our local economy fueling progress and prosperity throughout the city of Danville and the entire Southern Virginia region,” said Corrie Bobe, Director of the Danville Office of Economic Development and Tourism. “Their contributions support the amenities that improve our quality of life and create opportunities for residents to thrive. We celebrate the diversity of businesses that have decided to invest and grow in our region.”
In Danville and Pittsylvania County, 70-85% of jobs and investment trading is generated by existing businesses. This regional focus on business retention and expansion shapes the community’s image to visitors, business owners, industries, and more.
“Our local businesses and industries, both large and small, are invaluable contributors to the economy of Pittsylvania County, the region and beyond,” said Matthew Rowe, Pittsylvania County Director of Economic Development. “We applaud the vitality and diversity they bring, in addition to providing needed services, goods and jobs that are essential to the lives of our residents and visitors. We believe there is a connection between strong businesses and a vibrant community, and we sincerely appreciate the businesses and industries that have chosen to operate in Pittsylvania County. It takes hard work, determination, and commitment to make a business grow and thrive and for those qualities, we thank you.”
“Small Business is the lifeblood of a community, and we realize how tough running a business can be for our locally owned business owners. But they do much more than serve great coffee or make great beer,” said Diana Schwartz, CEO of the River District Association. "Our small businesses create a sense of place and a quality of life that makes Danville a very attractive place to be. They help to draw new visitors and new residents to our area, and that helps to ensure a strong workforce for the new industries that are locating here.”
The economic profile of Danville and Pittsylvania County is characterized by several key industry sectors: health care and social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The labor force accessibility within a 60-miile drive is 715,563 individuals, positioning the region as an attractive hub for large businesses and industries.
“The Southern Virginia Region is enriched by the collaboration and support offered between the public and private sectors,” said Linda Green, Executive Director of the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance. “Our region has experienced dramatic economic recovery due to the partnerships for better workforce pipeline development, entrepreneurism and small business support, and business modernization and expansions. We are thankful to our businesses for your leadership, commitment to your employees and to our region.”
Follow these city and county partners Facebook pages to learn more about Business Appreciation Week:
- Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce: @dpchamber
- Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism: @danvilleeconomicdevelopmentandtourism
- Pittsylvania County Economic Development Department: @pittsylvaniacountyva
- River District Association: @DowntownDanvilleVA
- Southern Virginia Regional Alliance: @SouthernVirginiaRegion