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Appomattox County Chamber of Commerce
Weekly Member NewsBlast
January 25, 2017
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In This Issue
President's Comments
Chamber News
Member Promotions
 
Board of Directors

 

President 

John A. Redding

 

Vice-President 

Jane Kelly
Farmers Bank of Appomattox

 

Treasurer 

Shirley Wheeler

Appomattox County Assembly
 

  

Directors 


 

Gerri Granato

Country Charm 


Cindy Hall
 

Dana Mayberry

Appomattox Inn & Suites


Sheila Palamar
 

J.D. Simpson

Walmart
 

Robin Snyder
Appomattox Court House
National Historical Park
 

Denzil VanSwearingen


 

Ken Arpino

www.wolfbane.org 
 
membersSAVE 
membersSAVEAs a Chamber Member, you have significant buying power with access to some of the best pricing available on products and services you use every day.  There are NO extra fees, and NO obligations to buy.  Tap into the savings today!
  
Check out membersSAVE now.
  
 

Like us on Facebook
 
Corporate Sponsors

 
  

Corporate Patrons 

 
Farmers Bank of Appomattox
 
Appomattox Lime Company
Corporate Friends 
A.C. Cycles
Appomattox Outdoor Equipment
Boxley
Pearson Equipment Rental
Quik-E Food Stores
State Farm Insurance

Corporate Supporters  


United Country Jim Nolen Real Estate
 
Quick Links


If you live or do
business in Appomattox County, you can sign up for Amber Alerts and severe weather notifications. 
Click here  to sign up.
 
Business Resources

  Better Business Bureau

Lynchburg SCORE 

State Corporation Commission 

US Small Business Administration   




VA Employment Commission 
 
    
 
Political Links

VIRGINIA 


FEDERAL
  
  
 

 
 

Join Our Mailing List
 
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Good afternoon everyone.  This NewsBlast is chock full of Chamber News, Member Promotions, Legislative News and Business Resource articles.  It is the Chamber's goal to provide our members with information to help them with their businesses so I hope you find the articles included herein to be just that -- helpful.  Remember that the Chamber is here to serve YOU!  So, please remember to take advantage of the promotional opportunities to promote your events.
 
Feel free to forward this NewsBlast to others in your business or organization so that they, too, can benefit from the information. Let us know how we are doing...the feedback is always welcome.
 
Remember to "BUY LOCAL" -- your local small businesses depend on you to keep them in the local community.
 
Quote of the Week:   
 
 
    " One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today."

 Dale Carnegie 
  
 
 
Office Hours:  Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00am-2:00pm
Whitney Napier: Office Manager
 
President's Comments
On Saturday night, I was fortunate to be able to attend the annual party given by the Appomattox 1865 Foundation.  It was not only a fun evening but it was very informative as well.  Our very own National Historical Park Superintendent, Robin Snyder, gave a brief presentation outlining some of the marvelous work that the Foundation has done.  To date, almost $300,000 in work has been done to park connected projects.  Kudos to Sue Cochrane and the organization that she has created and for producing enhancements to the tourist experience that draws so many visitors here.
 
In conversation with one attendee, I also became cognizant that many in our area do not really understand the importance of the Foundation and/or the differentiation between it, the National Historical Park and the Appomattox County Historical Society, so I will take a brief moment to explain.  The Park is, of course, part of the National Park System and subject to federal restrictions and limits on what it can and cannot do.  The Foundation procures funds both privately and via appropriate public grants to perform projects that the Park cannot pursue - examples include the McLean Ice House and Sweeney Home restorations. 
 
The Appomattox County Historical Society maintains its facilities at the Cloverhill Village and their museum in the old jail.  The Society has also held various re-enactments over the past few years and been active in a variety of community events.
 
If you are not involved in some manner with the 1865 Foundation, the Historical Society, the Museum of the Confederacy and/or the Appomattox Tourism Advisory Committee, you should consider becoming so.  These entities are all working very hard to benefit our local commerce through tourism.  Tourist dollars spent locally help us all. 

John Redding
Chamber President
 
Chamber News
 Appomattox Central Business District Revitalization Project Community Meeting

The following will be presented at the meeting:
  • Draft Town of Appomattox Economic Restructuring Plan, a summary of marketing data findings, results from project surveys, and a summary of short and long-term strategies to enhance the economic strength of the community.  
  • Opportunity to comment on draft public space improvement plan for the downtown area;
  • The focus of a pending DCHD application to physical improvements to the area.
ExperienceAppomattox.com

The Appomattox Tourism Committee launched  www.experienceappomattox.com on January 1, 2017.
With this website you can make reservations, book packages and learn about historical Appomattox.
Are you a Sponsor? 
If you answered NO, you are missing great advertising opportunities

I'm sure you are asking yourself, why should I be a sponsor? What events does the Chamber hold that it would benefit me to become a sponsor?  How do they display my sponsorship?

These are all great questions; and this is where you will find the answers!

Appomattox Cheerz: Every year the Chamber of Commerce hosts Cheerz Events. We have a band, food, and beverages. When you become a sponsor your business' logo is put on a banner which is displayed in front of the crowd.  Our President takes the stage at every Cheerz event and thanks our sponsors one-by-one.

Free entry and drink tickets to Cheerz: Depending on your chosen sponsorship level you will receive a certain number of entry tickets and drink tickets for each event.

Member Luncheons: The Chamber hold quarterly member luncheons. Are luncheons are a terrific way to network and are always held and catered by a business that is a chamber member.  During the luncheon our President thanks every sponsor by name.

NewsBlast: Every Wednesday @ 2:00pm our NewsBlast is sent out via email.  This reaches over 300 business and individuals!  Your logo is featured on each and every NewsBlast!

Website: Our website features a Sponsor link.  This is where your name and logo will be featured.


New benefits for becoming a sponsor:

This coming year the Chamber will hold a 5k Fun Run and the Miss Appomattox Pageant.  Your logo will be displayed on any and all advertising for these events. This includes banners, flyers, FaceBook, & the event registration page.  
You will also have to opportunity to put your logo on t-shirts that will be handed out at our 5k (this will be an additional fee & a separate email will be sent).




The Appomattox Chamber of Commerce are planning upcoming events, and we want your help!
We are asking for volunteers to help, work, and plan these events.

5K Fun Run: Contact Whitney Napier 434.352.2621


Shop Small: Contact Gerri Granato 434.352.5884


Miss Appomattox Pageant: Contact Shirley Wheeler 434.352.2852


Appomattox Cheerz Committee: Contact Whitney Napier 434.352.2621
CO.STARTERS
CO.STARTERS is a nine-week program that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn business ideas into action and turn a passion into a sustainable and thriving business. The next session begins in March 2017. The deadline to apply to participate in the program is January 31, 2017.  

If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, or a seasoned entrepreneur looking to launch a new  product or service, CO.STARTERS is for you. The only prerequisites are (1) having an idea you're ready, willing, and excited to share and purs ue and (2) a willingness to study, shape and fine-tune that idea in a supportive, collaborative, and welcoming environment. If you're creative and community-minded, and you're serious about turning your passion into a sustainable business, this is the program for you. During CO.STARTERS, you'll develop and fine-tune your idea, critically examining every part of it and tweaking your next steps through real-time feedback from people in the community.
    
The cost of CO.STARTERS is $195 for City of Lynchburg residents and $245 for non-residents. A $100 non-refundable fee towards the full program cost is charged when you are accepted into the program. Flexible payment plans can be arranged (no cash or check accepted). The program costs include:
  • 1 on 1 support from a seasoned entrepreneur
  • 9 weeks of classroom instruction
  • Mentorship and class speakers
  • Service hours from local providers
There are also opportunities to serve as mentors or speakers for CO.STARTERS. If you've got wisdom to share, we'd love to have you. If you are interested in serving as a class speaker or mentor, send an email!  
To learn more about the CO.STARTERS curriculum, tuition, and training dates, click here. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2017.
 
Business of the Week
State Farm Insurance


Congratulations to State Farm Insurance for being chosen the Appomattox Chamber of Commerce's Business of the Week!

The State Farm Story began with Mecherle's original vision for State Farm: operate fairly and do the right thing for our customers. While his vision still guides us today, our continued mission is to be the first and best choice in the products and services we provide.
Originally a single line auto insurance company, State Farm now offers nearly 100 products and services, in five different lines of business, to help customers manage today and prepare for tomorrow. We show our commitment to our policyholders by handling nearly 35,000 claims per day. The history of State Farm not only demonstrates we do the right thing for our customers; we do the right thing for communities. We are heavily involved in and support communities through sponsorships, safety programs, education leadership, and service-learning.
Known as a public leader in auto safety efforts, State Farm helped pass a number of seat belt laws and continues to fight for seat belt and teen driver safety.
We work to build safer, stronger, and better educated communities across the United States. We are committed to the future through our green efforts and by helping raise the levels of achievement of our nation's teachers and students.
We help build strong communities by supporting programs that enable home ownership, create safe neighborhoods, and making our homes and highways safe through activities aimed at preventing and reducing injury and loss.
In our schools and communities, online and offline, through statefarm.com ® or one of more than 18,000 agent offices, State Farm is there.


430 Court Street
434-352-7916
Member Promotions
1865 Foundation
Upcoming Event


Appomattox Christian Academy

Appomattox Christian Academy, (ACA) is proud to Celebrate National School Choice Week and invite YOU to Meet and Greet our Head of School and administration team. Join us for coffee, pastries and conversation. Want to know more about ACA? Come visit us on Thursday, January 23, 2017 to LEARN MORE. Or Call 434-352-7373 to schedule a tour of our campus if Thursday is inconvenient.  #WeAreACA or #SchoolChoiceWeek

 
Want to start out 2017 on a positive note?  Come to a Lions Club meeting and consider joining in with others to "serve". 

Our Leo (high school level Lions Club) Club is beginning to organize.  If you know of youth that would like to serve, use the contact information below to get them involved.
 
The Lions motto is "WE SERVE", and we are always seeking ways to do so. If you would like to join us in our efforts, please contact us on our Facebook page - Appomattox Lions Club   or email us at appomattoxlions@aol.com   or ddvansw@aol.com . 

Come visit the Babcock House for a true experience in Southern Hospitality.  Simple, refined food at reasonable prices.

"Serving a Three Course Dinner with Optional Wine Pairing for Valentine's Day on February 10, 12 & 14 - Reservations encouraged"
"Introducing the First Annual Babcock House Beer Dinner on March 15....stay tuned for details!"

Lunch served Tuesday thru Friday from 11am to 1:30pm;
Brunch served Sunday from 11am to 2pm; and
Dinner served Tuesday thru Saturday from 5pm to 8pm.
RESERVATIONS NO LONGER REQUIRED!
Feel free to stop in on a whim!
250 Oakleigh Avenue, Appomattox.
434-352-7532
CVCC
Upcoming Events


April 18th  and April 19th: Intro to Microsoft Word 2016
$20/person,  9 am to Noon  Rm 107 CVCC Appomattox Center. In this two day class, we
learn the basics  of word processing using Word 2016. 
 
April 6th: Basic Internet
$20/person,  9am to Noon  Rm  107  CVCC Appomattox Center. This is a one day class.  You will learn about browsers, email, internet safety, and best sites.   This includes those that use a desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone to  surf the net.
 
2/21; 2/28; 3/7; 3/14: Social Media, 
$20/person ,  "Lunch and Learn"; 4 sessions covering Facebook, Twitter, Skype, Linked-in, Snapchat, Instragram and Pinterest. Noon to 1pm, you may bring lunch with you. Rm 118 CVCC Appomattox Center.

 
March 16th : Windows 10, $20/person
9am to Noon,  Room 107  CVCC Appomattox Center. This is a one day class.
What's different with Windows 10 ?  Do I want to upgrade ?  Tips and tricks for Windows 10.
 
March 30th: Microsoft Publisher, $20/person
9am to Noon, Room 107  CVCC Appomattox Center. This is a one day class.
This class is for those who have MS Publisher  but don't know how to use it or need a refresher course.
 
Enrollment is limited to 20 per class.  To enroll call 434-832-7200 or stop by the CVCC Appomattox Center. Pre-payment will ensure your place in the class.
Farmers Bank of Appomattox

Now Offers Mobile Check Deposit
Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center
Upcoming Events for 2017

February 9 -  Oil Painting Workshop
March 5-9 -  Decoy Carving Workshop
March 11 -  Raffle
March 22 -  Oil Painting Workshop
April 9-14 -  Banjo

Little Lamb Laundry
We Come to ... "Ewe".
Your time is precious - call us today!
434.944.5444
As your local source for cleaning services, we specializing in the following: 
  •   Pick Up & Delivery Wash & Fold Laundry Service
  •   Pick Up & Delivery Dry Cleaning
  •   Pick Up & Delivery Shoe Care Services
  •   Home & Office Cleaning
For More details; please call or visit our website
Museum of the Confederacy
Upcoming Events

January 26 -   Brian Wills
  February 23 -  Don Jones
LIFE * AUTO * HOME * BUSINESS

Download and read the First Quarter 2017  Insurance Update Newsletter provided by Auto-Owners Insurance.  Auto-Owners along with Scott and Wilson Insurance can meet your needs in any of the following: Life, Home, Auto and Business!

This issue's topics include:  Permanent vs. Term Life Insurance,  The Paid in Full Discount Advantage, Healthy Equipment Maintenance and Do I Need Flood Insurance?
 
As your Local Independent agency in the community, we're your neighbor, someone you can TRUST and who will be here for you!  Call or visit us today!

434-352-7550  Phone
569C Court Street, Appomattox, VA
State Farm
Interested in joining the State Farm Team?
Click below for additional information:
Join the State Farm Team!               
The Fishin' Pig
434-223-3287

Every Sunday : Brunch Buffet from 8-11:30 am featuring Ben Dalton on the piano
Every Tuesday: ½ off all Ribs! Full or half racks (Starts at 5pm, while they last)  Featuring live music by Ray Martin this Tuesday, Nov. 15th from 6:30-8:30pm
 
Business Resources 
 
Chamber's Online Calendar of Events
The Chamber wants to remind everyone who is planning an "open to the public" event for next year to provide the event information to this office so it can get uploaded to the Chamber's website calendar.  This online calendar will help the community (and visitors) to see a full list of events as they plan their activities.  The goal of the online calendar is to prevent competing events so that every event is a success.  So please submit your event information to the Chamber at least 2 weeks in advance of the event so it can be uploaded to the calendar.  Make sure your email includes "Calendar Event Information" in the Subject Line.  Please note that ALL event submissions for the NewsBlast are automatically added to the online calendar.

Member Weekly NewsBlast Submission Guidelines:NewsBlastGuidelines
All current Chamber members are eligible to advertise in the Member Promotions section.  Please send your PDF file to the Chamber as outlined below: 
  • All submissions MUST indicate "Member Weekly NewsBlast" or "NewsBlast" in the Subject line of email. 
  • All submissions MUST be in Microsoft Word or PDF file format (file size limit is 2.0 MB).
  • All submissions MUST include your business name & phone number.
  • All submissions MUST indicate the time period for running the ad -- please include the beginning date & ending date.  NOTE: ads that do not include this information will run for one week only!
  • All submissions are subject to editing and/or rejection if not appropriate for the NewsBlast.
  • Deadline for submissions is 10:00am on Wednesday. Any late submissions will be held until the following week's edition.
  • NewsBlast will be scheduled to publish after 2pm on Wednesday.
  • All submissions will be listed alphabetically by member business.
  • Submissions not in compliance with these guidelines will be rejected.