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 Appomattox County Chamber of Commerce
Weekly Member NewsBlast
March 1, 2017
                                                                                                                                            www.appomattoxchamber.org
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In This Issue
President's Comments
Chamber News
Member Promotions
 
Board of Directors

 

President 

John A. Redding

 

Vice-President 

Bruce S. Drinkard
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.
  
 

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Corporate Sponsors
 
 
  

Corporate Patrons 

Farmers Bank of Appomattox  
Corporate Friends 

Appomattox Outdoor Equipment
Boxley

Corporate Supporters  
 
 
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 

 

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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:   
 
 
 
  
 
   "Infuse your life with action. Don't wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own future. Make your own hope. Make your own love. And whatever your beliefs, honor your creator, not by passively waiting for grace to come down from upon high, but by doing what you can to make grace happen... yourself, right now, right down here on Earth."

Bradley Whitford 

 
Office Hours:  Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00am-2:00pm
Whitney Napier: Office Manager
 
President's Comments
Like many of you, I find myself wondering how the weather will pan out during the next couple of months.  For the first time in my life, I mowed the lawn in February and I have been enjoying the spring like days that are two months ahead of normal, but will it continue?.  Will the things that I planted in my garden much earlier than ever this year flourish or will they get wiped out by a deep freeze on the horizon?  Time will tell.
 
Two things that deserve some of your attention.  First, "Experience Appomattox" is gearing up.  This is the campaign evolving via the Appomattox Tourism Advisory Committee.  New events are being planned and events are being packaged and advertised to attract visitors to our community.  When visitors come to our area, they spend money at a variety of locations and increase our tax revenues - everyone benefits.  Consider getting involved.
 
Secondly, the Chamber is considering holding business-oriented educational seminars.  If you are interested for yourself or your employees, let the Chamber know what topics could help your business activity.  Your Chamber wants to help but we need to know how we can be most effective.
 

John Redding
Chamber President
 
Chamber News

1967-2017

The Appomattox Chamber of Commerce
is celebrating 50 years of serving the businesses of Historic Appomattox!
  In Honor of 50 years, we are giving away t-shirts. Please stop by and get yours while supplies last!!
ExperienceAppomattox.com

Appomattox Chamber Receives Virginia Tourism Corporation Grant for Tourism Marketing
 
Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that Experience Appomattox, a program of the Appomattox Tourism Advisory Committee (ATAC) of the Appomattox County Chamber of Commerce received $4500 from the Virginia Tourism Corporation Marketing Leverage Program grant fund. In total VTC awarded more than $772,000for 62tourism marketing projects across the state to help increase visitation and revenue for Virginia's localities through tourism.
 
The grants are designed to help local and regional tourism entities attract more visitors by leveraging local marketing dollars, and will ultimately impact at least 260 other statewide tourism entities. The local organizations match the state grant funds by a minimum of 2:1 in order to support marketing projects. This funding cycle, the local partners will match the VTC grant dollars with more than $3.64 million, providing more than $4.4 million in new marketing to increase visitation to Virginia.
 
John Redding, President of the local chamber, attended the award ceremony representing the partners that have previously joined ATAC - 1865 Foundation, Appomattox Inn & Suites, Appomattox Museum of the Confederacy, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, Babcock House, Carver Price Legacy Museum, Eastern National, Falling River Country Club, Holliday Lake State Park and Wolfbane Productions, Appomattox County and the Town of Appomattox.
 
The VTC Marketing Leverage Program is designed to stimulate new tourism marketing through partnerships by leveraging limited marketing dollars, resulting in increased visitor spending.  A minimum of three entities must partner financially to apply and may consist of Virginia towns, cities, counties, convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, other local or regional destination marketing organizations, private businesses, museums, attractions, cultural events, and other not-for-profit entities. 
 
"Today, we take another critical step in supporting one of Virginia's largest private sector industries and the individual communities across the Commonwealth that foster it," said Governor McAuliffe. "These Marketing Leverage Program grants provide a vital opportunity for destinations and businesses across the Commonwealth, helping to create jobs, promote economic development, and increase visitor spending. I congratulate the more than 260 tourism partners across the Commonwealth that received funding for 62 projects - not only the highest number of partners awarded in the program's history, but the highest dollar match by partners in a single funding cycle."
 
Research shows that every VTC dollar invested in grants resulted in $16 of direct visitor spending. Marketing campaigns that received Marketing Leverage Grants increased visitation by 15%.
"The Marketing Leverage Program grants provide vital funding to our tourism businesses across the Commonwealth, helping to make Virginia an incredible place to visit, but also to live," said Todd Haymore, Secretary of Commerce and Trade. "Through the MLP grant program, Virginia Tourism has helped demonstrate the power of partnerships, as well as the economic power of tourism. I thank all of our tourism partners and members of the General Assembly for their support of this program."
Tourism is an instant revenue generator for Virginia. In 2015, tourism generated $23 billion in revenue, supported nearly 223,100 jobs and provided $1.6 billion in state and local taxes. Dollars invested in tourism are proven to provide a 7:1 return in tax revenue for Virginia, and the grant awards and matching funds provide a stimulus to localities seeking to increase tourism visitation and revenue.
 
 For additional information  Click Here

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.
Why isn't YOUR Business' Name Here


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.

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).
1st Quarter Luncheon

Please join us for the Appomattox Chamber of Commerce 1st Quarter Luncheon. 
This event is available for members and non-members.



stpattys_day4.jpg Whe n: Mar ch 17th
 Where: Railyard Restaurant
Time: 11:30 am.

*Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early so that you can get checked in.*

Speaker :
Jeanette Brady with the Appomattox Christian Academy will be our guest speaker.  Jeanette has a lot of exciting news to share.  This will include how they will help to bring business to our local businesses. 


Special Thanks to Mike Ranson and the Railyard Restaurant Team for hosting this event.  

Please Note: If you have registered for the event, but are unable to attend, you will still be responsible for the payment.  If you are a late registration a fee of $2.00 will be added.

CONTACT:
 Whitney Napier 
Appomattox County Chamber of Commerce 
434-352-2621 
chamber@appomattoxchamber.org 
 
Business of the Week
Country Charm

Congratulations to Country Charm for being chosen as the Appomattox Chamber of Commerce's of the Week!
A Quaint Little Shop on Main!!

Located in Downtown Appomattox, Country Charm is a must to visit.  
A  quaint gift shop located downtown on Main St. in Appomattox, VA.
ht tps://www.facebook.com/mainstappomattoxva/#


188 Main St
Appomattox, VA 24522
Highlights info row image
(434) 352-5884
Member Promotions
1865 Foundation
Upcoming Event


Appomattox Christian Academy


Appomattox Christian Academy, a mission of St. Andrew's Reformed Episcopal Church is expandi ng! 

LEARN MORE about the future campus Master Pl an on March 4 at 7 p.m. in the Phoenix Hall on the campus of Appomattox Christian Academy, 1916 Redfields Road, behind the rescue squad in Appomattox. 

Area residents, townspeople, local business owners, media, town and county officials, and ministers will want to come to this meeting to hear about the impact that this expansion will have in our community!  This meeting will give all in attendance a full view of the expansion Master Plans which includes new classrooms, a new gym, a new all natural terrain playground, and a new sanctuary.  Other information to be shared will highlight our recent accreditation through ACCS (Association of Classical Christian Schools), plans for increased academic standards and offerings, and the addition of apprenticeship training/certification programs.  Most importantly, $4.6 million will be invested over the next 5 years to support this .  For more information, plan to be there or call 434-352-7373.  
Appomattox Inns & Suites

Romantic Weekend Package:  Click Here for Full Details
 
Want to start out 2017 on a positive note?  Come to a Lions Club meeting and consider joining in with others to "serve". 

The Appomattox Lions Club will be in possession of its PediaVision testing unit for most of the months of February and March.  PediaVision provides an instantaneous evaluation of a child's ability to see well.  If your organization has a group of children that you would like to be tested, contact Lion John Redding (352-0532) to schedule.
 
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.

Introducing the First Annual Babcock House Beer Dinner on March 15.

Cost is $35/person, RSVP by March 11 to ensure a seat.


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
Bull Daddy's Restaurant


Hours: 
Sunday - Tuesday - 11:30 am - 7:00 pm
Wednesday - 11:30 am - 10:00 pm
Thursday - Saturday - 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
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.
 
 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
Farmers Bank of Appomattox

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

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

 
Holiday Lake State Park
Upcoming Event

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

March 23 - Civil War Conversation- The Fourth of July and the Civil War
Time: 6:30 p.m. (reception) 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (talk)
Location: The Museum of the Confederacy-Appomattox
Cost: $10 Adults, Members: $5. Reservations encouraged.
Contact: Josie Butler at  jbutler@acwm.org or 434-352-5791 x203

Description: How did Americans celebrate their national anniversary when the country appeared to be falling apart? Join Virginia Tech's Paul Quigley, Ph.D., to explore Civil War Americans' varied attitudes toward the Fourth of July.


April 2017

April 7th -  The Hannah Reynolds Story
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: The Museum of the Confederacy-Appomattox
Cost: Suggested Donations- $5 Adults, $1 Youth 17 and under, does not include Museum Admission
Contact: Josie Butler at  jbutler@acwm.org or 434-352-5791 x203
Co-Sponsor: Wolfbane Productions
Description: Hannah Reynolds was an enslaved woman who was wounded during the Battle of Appomattox Courthouse on April 9, 1865. When she died three days later, she was a free woman, and the only civilian casualty of the battle. On the 152nd anniversary of her death, the Museum will tell Hannah's story through an original play, written and produced by Wolfbane Productions of Appomattox. All performances will be outdoors, and limited seating will be available. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
Brief Description: Hannah Reynolds, an enslaved woman, was wounded in battle. She died a free woman three days later. This is her story.
April 8th & 9th -  - Commemoration Weekend at Appomattox
(10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) & Sunday, April 9, 2017 (10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.) 
Location: The Museum of the Confederacy-Appomattox
Cost: Included with Museum admission
Contact: Josie Butler at  jbutler@acwm.org  or 434-352-5791 x203
Description: As part of the annual commemoration of the Battle of Appomattox Court House and Gen. Lee's surrender to Gen. Grant, explore stories of the Civil War and Emancipation at the Museum of the Confederacy-Appomattox.
Activities throughout the day include:
  • Pallas Athena Ladies Aid Society (PALAS) encampment.  Join costumed living history interpreters to explore the equipment, comfort supplies, and services provided to soldiers and hospitals by aid societies during the Civil War.
  • Confederate Navy Display. Explore the role played  by the Confederate Navy played in the Civil War, with reenactor and model ship builder Calvin Ashwell. Featuring model ships and period naval equipment. 
Special Presentation (Suggested donation $5 adults, $1 youth):
  • The Hannah Reynolds Story. Experience the story of Hannah Reynolds, an enslaved woman wounded during the Battle of Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. When she died three days later, she was a free woman and the only civilian causality of the battle. This outdoor performance of an original, one-act play is presented in partnership with Wolfbane Productions. Saturday, April 8 at 2:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 9 at 1:30 p.m.*

    * Additional performance will be offered Friday, April 7 at 7:00 p.m.
May 2017
 
May 25th - Civil War Conversation- Appomattox's Peace Memorial
Ti me: 6:30 p.m. (reception) 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (talk)
Location: The Museum of the Confederacy-Appomattox
Cost: $10 Adults, Members: $5. Reservations encouraged.
Contact: Josie Butler at  jbutler@acwm.org or 434-352-5791 x203
Description: In the summer of 1932, though the War Department was moving forward with plans to erect a Peace Monument at Appomattox Court House, the monument was never built. Discover the fierce battle that erupted on the ground where peace had been secured nearly seventy years earlier. Led by Caroline Janney, Purdue University.
Poe's Quality Customs & Collision
"Excellence is Not an Option, But a Requirement"


Upcoming Event

If you are interested in becoming a Vendor, click on the link above


We here at Poe's Quality Customs and Collision are excited to be a part of the Appomattox Chamber of Commerce.

We would like to offer our services to Members and Sponsors with a discount here at the shop.

We will give a $250.00 discount to any member or employee of a member of a Chamber member business.

We look forward to helping serve our community.
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!               
Taco Bell
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.