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Appomattox County Chamber of Commerce
Weekly Member NewsBlast
January 18, 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
 
  Like me on Facebook

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:   
 
   
    " Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."

Martin Luther King, Jr. 
 
Office Hours:  Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00am-2:00pm
Whitney Napier: Office Manager
 
President's Comments
Maybe it's the new year, maybe it's the warmer weather this week or maybe things are really starting to click, but I am feeling very optimistic regarding 2017 and the foreseeable future here in Appomattox.
 
The Chamber has several promising initiatives underway - Appomattox Tourism Advisory Committee (ATAC), 5K Fun Run, new Cheerz ideas, Miss Appomattox Pageant, Shop Local Campaign and signage to promote downtown.  The National Historical Park, Wolfbane, the 1865 Foundation and Appomattox Inn & Suites all have events planned during the next few months and a major project is being planned for Courtland Field.
 
With every sports team, family or other group that spends a night or two at the new hotel, people become more familiar with Appomattox, its charm, restaurants and attractions.  Some will return and maybe bring others.  Further down the road, Dr. Asnavorian's projects may bring new retail ventures further enhancing the role of Appomattox as a hub for shopping by residents of neighboring counties.
 
These are all small additions to our economy but together, they can be significant.  The large, multi-hundred job producing industrial plant may never materialize but our economy will continue to grow.

John Redding
Chamber President
 
Chamber News
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.
 Love Works Art Contest

LOVE Works  ART Work Contest:  EXPERIENCE  APPOMATTOX
 
Virginia Tourism Corporation is out to prove that "Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation." VTC is encouraging local tourism organizations to work with destinations and attractions to create a LOVEWorks art piece that can be used to promote family-friendly experiences. This is an opportunity to be creative, connect a destination to the Virginia is for Lovers brand, and increase interest in the unique travel spot that is the location of the future "LOVE" artwork.
            The Appomattox County Chamber of Commerce Partnership seeks local area artisans and individuals for the LOVEWorks contest to create an opportunity for a piece of artwork and its artist to shine while also drawing attention to a specific location within Appomattox. The contest is available to Appomattox County residents.   This contest, along with the winning artwork, will serve in the future as not only a destination opportunity and beautiful landmark, but a free self-promotion for the artist and attraction.
            The Virginia Tourism Corporation and LOVEWorks website, www.virginia.org/love/, describes the project as, "all about love - pure and simple". They serve to promote the message that "Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation" and at the same time provide images of past LOVEWorks projects. Some of these projects include "LOVE" made out of wine bottle labels and corks, "LOVE" as a colorful art mural, "LOVE" as an apple-blossom theme, and many more ideas that cater to the most appealing tourism aspects of an area. What follows is a list of guidelines for the Appomattox LOVEWorks contest along with an application form for the project.
   
Deadline for Entry: January 20, 2017



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
Village Print Shop


The Village Printshop offers: printing, signs, banners, stamps, design work and more!
Fast and efficient service.

249 Main Street
Appomattox, VA  24522
434.352.7191


Member Promotions
1865 Foundation
Upcoming Event

*Please Note*
The Appomattox 1865 Foundations annual winter social has been rescheduled due to weather. The event will take place January 21st at 6:30pm at the Appomattox Inn and Suites. Members are free, guests are $5. Food, music, adult beverage, silent auction. For reservations please email info1865foundation@gmail.com


 
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
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.