Chamber Logo
Appomattox County Chamber of Commerce
 Weekly Member NewsBlast
April 12, 2017
                                                                                                                                            www.appomattoxchamber.org
Like us on Facebook
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.
  
 

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
 
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 

 

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:   
   
    " The next time you feel slightly uncomfortable with the pressure in your life, remember no pressure, no diamonds. Pressure is a part of success."

 Eric Thomas 


 
Office Hours:  Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00am-2:00pm
Whitney Napier: Office Manager
 
President's Comments
Our marketing seminar has finally come together.  Please plan to attend and register on the Chamber's website (there is a link elsewhere in this communication).  The seminar will be presented by Parker Productions at 7:30 AM on May 3, 2017 at Appomattox Inn & Suites.  Coffee and Betty's Blueberry Biscuits (worth the attendance alone) from Railyard Restaurant will be served.
 
Get involved in the "Experience Appomattox" project and other initiatives being organized by the Appomattox Tourism Advisory Committee (ATAC).  Short of a major employer moving into our area, this has the potential to do more to spur positive economic activity in our community than anything else that I can think of.  When visitors come to our community, we all benefit.
 
I do not like cold weather so, even though the lawn and garden are requiring a lot of attention and muscles that have been dormant during the winter are aching, I am celebrating the warmth of spring time.  The redbuds are in full swing and the dogwoods are beginning to display their majesty.  At this time of year, more than any other, one cannot help but marvel at what a wondrous world we live in.
 
As a final note, let me personally invite you to celebrate Easter Sunrise Service at the National Historical Park at 7:00 AM this Sunday.  The place where our divided nation began its reconciliation between brothers is a fitting place for Christians to celebrate their reconciliation with their God.


John Redding
Chamber President
 
Chamber News

1967-2017

The Appomattox Chamber of Commerce
is celebrating 50 years of serving the businesses of Historic Appomattox!
APX 3rd Fridays

Now in its 19th year, the 2017 APX 3rd Fridays season events will be held on the third Friday each month from May through October, with the  first event being held on May 19th, and with the final event being held on October 13th (to help kick-off the annual Railroad Festival Weekend) in downtown Abbitt Memorial Park from 5:30-9pm.

Events include live performances from local bands,and fun activities for kids.
Adult beverages, a 50/50 raffle, as well as a local restaurants selling drinks, delicious hot food & snacks. 

Lawn chairs are always welcome, however, NO coolers or pets please.  
 
American Pickers is coming to APPOMATTOX!!
We all know the show American Pickers on the History Channel, well they are coming our way!  Attached is information with what they are looking for and how to get in touch with them.  Please pass this along to any and everyone.

Modern Marketing for Local Businesses Seminar

Marketing isn't rocket science. At its core, marketing boils down to creatively connecting with your 
customers and clients.

Join us to learn practical marketing tools and tips.

First session - Telling your story
Second session - Letting social media work for you
Third session - Practical solutions to common problems (Q & A)

Parker Productions uses the unique story of a business or organization to create custom campaigns to engage their clients and customers. Parker Productions offers a range of marketing skills, including campaign development, videography, photography, graphic design, social media management and content writing. For more information, visit Parker.Productions.

To Register for the seminar by  Clicking Here or by visiting  www.appomattoxchamber.org and going to Upcoming Events
 
Business After Hours

Would you be interested in hosting Appomattox Business After Hours?  

Business After Hours  is the premier networking event for business  professionals. These events give individuals the opportunity to network while learning about other local businesses  in our community.

Please contact the Chamber Office
434.352.2621
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.
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!

APX 3rd Fridays
: Every year the Chamber of Commerce hosts APX 3rd Fridays 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 APX 3rd Fridays event and thanks our sponsors one-by-one.

Free entry and drink tickets to APX 3rd Fridays
: 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:

Your logo will be displayed on any and all advertising for these events. This includes banners, flyers, FaceBook, & the event registration page.  
 
Business of the Week
Jamerson Building Supply

Congratulations to Jamerson Building Supply for being choosen the Appomattox Chamber of Commerce's Business of the Week!

Established in 1946, J.E. Jamerson and Sons continues to build a reputation for excellence in the construction industry. We draw on our rich history and strong heritage focusing on quality, stability, and proven results. We take great pride in our privately held, multigenerational company that was founded upon, and remains true to our strong core values and commitment to our clients. Our financial strength allows us to proactively respond to changes in the economy and meet the needs of our evolving client base.

The J.E. Jamerson and Sons team approaches each venture with a collaborative mindset, working closely with clients, architects, and subcontractors while being mindful of timelines and budgets. We are confident, fair, and we enjoy building quality projects. Our team has completed a vast array of commercial projects, educational facilities, and historic restorations. We embark on every project with the mindset of ensuring trust, quality, and excellence.

434-352-3906
Member Promotions
1865 Foundation with Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Upcoming Event


TBA - Sweeney Concert Series : Enjoy a variety of music performances from the McLean Porch

June 2 - July 1 - R omeo & Juliet: Thursday, Friday, & Saturday Evenings: featured in the time of the Civil War; in partnership with Wolfbane Productions

June 3 -Arts & Heritage Festival 10:00 am - 4:00 pm: Explore stories of the park through Art, Music, Photography, Games, & Genealogy

June 11 - National Park Service Day 2:00 pm: Lynchburg city Stadium:  home of the Hillcats; Meet park Rangers from area national Parks

June 14 - Celebrate Flag Day: Ceremony and presentations on the "Star Spangled Banner"

June 29-20 - Civil War Summer Camp: For kids ages 8-12

June 26-30 - Civil War Theater Workshop: For teens ages 14-18; in partnership with Wolfbane Productions

July 8 - Civil War Base Ball - 10:00 am & 1:00 pm: Union Provost Guard vs. Townsfolk : All are welcome to play

August 25 - Happy 101st Birthday to the National Park Service!: Visit your park and enjoy!

September 9 - Joel Sweeney :& the Banjo Festival: Enjoy performances of Early Banjo Music

September 29-30 - 6th Annual Lantern Tours: Check out this year's musical tour of the village

October - All month long: A beautiful time of the year to visit your park; Living history, special programs, and spectacular scenery

December 10 - Holiday Open House: Period holiday decorations and refreshments

How to "friend" your park: Visit this beautiful resource, Volunteer with the Park or the Friends Group
Volunteer with the Park or the Friends Group
Join the Appomattox 1865 Foundation
Donate to the Friends Groups

Remember: Our Park is always For Free! So come to a special event, tour the village, walk the nature trails, experience living history and then come visit again!


Appomattox County Historical Society

We are very pleased to announce that we are now accepting vendor applications for our Clover Hill Village Wine Festival being held on Saturday, August 19, 2017 from 12pm - 6pm (new hours). These applications are attached to this email and also soon to be available on our website ( www.AppomattoxHistoricalSociety.org) and the "Clover Hill Village Annual Wine Festival" Facebook page. Spaces are assigned on a "first come, first served" basis as we receive them. If you know of anyone who may be interested in being a vendor who did not receive this email, please forward the application to them.
 
We are also very excited to announce a NEW FESTIVAL being held this year at Clover Hill Village as well! On Saturday, September 23, 2017 from 12pm - 6pm, we will be holding our 1st annual "Appomattox Oyster & Seafood Festival"!! This event will be a benefit for the Appomattox County Chamber of Commerce and the Appomattox County Historical Society. Applications for this event are attached as well or can be found in the same locations as above.
 
BOTH festivals will be special this year as they will be advertised on the Virginia Artisan Trail and the Virginia Oyster Trail websites as Clover Hill Village is now an Artisan Trail Site AND an Oyster Trail Site! We have the BRB Band signed up to perform at the Clover Hill Village Wine Festival and are in the process of booking a band for the Oyster & Seafood Festival.
 
If you know of any businesses or individuals who would like to be sponsors of either or both festivals, please have them contact me or supply me with their contact information and I will contact them. These events will be great opportunities for advertising through sponsorship.
 
Please fill out the application(s) and return them to me as quickly as possible in order to secure your spot(s)!


Appomattox County School Board

Appomattox Primary School Winner in the Virginia Breakfast Challenge
 
In an announcement received from Elizabeth Brightwell, No Kid Hungry Virginia Outreach Manager with the Virginia Department of Education, Appomattox Primary School was named a winner in the Virginia Breakfast Challenge.
 
School divisions were placed into one of four categories based on the division's enrollment. One elementary, middle, and high school in each category won, based on breakfast participation growth over the past school year. Breakfast participation from October through December 2016 was compared to breakfast participation from October through December 2015.
 
Ms. Brightwell stated, "Your hard work and dedication to ensuring your students have breakfast every school day morning has paid off! School winners will receive some very exciting prizes in the next few weeks.
 
-           Funding to support equipment for your school's nutrition program
-           $4,000 to support technological enhancements, field trips or playground equipment
 
Kudos! Keep up the awesome work. Thanks to you, Virginia is on track to serve 8 million more breakfasts during the 2016-2017 school year, compared to the 2013-2014 school year. Thank you for helping us achieve a "no kid hungry" Virginia."




Appomattox County School Board Members Mr. Bobby Waddell, Mr. Greg Smith, Rev. Al Jones, and Ms. Cindy Hall are shown as they toured the schools March 23, 2017.  The group spent the full day watching students engaged in invigorating lessons from preschool through high school. 
 
At Appomattox Primary School, board members visited the Four Year Old Program, Special Education classes, and Kindergarten.
 
At Appomattox County High School, the group watched students test for the State Inspection License.  They observed students making egg rolls in Culinary Arts class and participated in the Teachers for Tomorrow class. 
 
At Appomattox Elementary School, the group had a tasty USDA approved lunch before visiting several fourth grade classes.  School board members then viewed student science projects.
 
At Appomattox Middle School, the group visited an art class and sixth grade classes. 
 
School board members were impressed with the high level of student engagement, technology use, the wide variety of teaching strategies, and the excitement that filled classrooms. 
 




Appomattox Inns & Suites

Romantic Weekend Package:  Click Here for Full Details
 
The 2017 Appomattox ProAm Golf Tournament is set for June 1, 2017 at Falling River Country Club.  Help support the effort by sponsoring a team or a hole sign and by coming out to watch the action.  Contact any Lion for information.
 
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.

"Now hiring for all positions in the restaurant. Please apply in person."

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. 
   
May 23-July: Equine Grooming and Stable Management
Tuesday and Thursday 4:30-6pm
Complete horse and stable care class for horse owners, riders or stable managers.
Lecture and hands-on labs. $200/person plus book. For full class information or to enroll call the CVCC Appomattox Center at 434-832-7200.

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



Holiday Lake State Park
Spring Break Programs at Holliday Lake State Park
 
(Appomattox)...Break into spring with Spring Break activities at Holliday Lake State Park. Programs held during three weekends in April will be sure to get you outside, active, and enjoying the warmer weather. Our "Living on the Edge" dip-netting program at 10 a.m. near the beach on Saturday, April 8 and 15 is for the whole family. Bring a lunch those days because 2 p.m. is when our "All That Glitters" gold-panning program starts at the same location. Sunday, April 9, 16, and 23 will be our "A Stone's Throw" spear-throwing program at 10 a.m. held at the park's amphitheater. The final activity those days at 2 p.m. is for the kids where we will make a take-home animal craft during "Craft Your Critter." For more information, please contact the Park Office at 434-248-6308 or email us at hollidaylake@dcr.virginia.gov.

Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks' activities and amenities or to make reservations in one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov


 
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

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

June 3rd:  Show-n- Shine Car Show
For complete details  

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.
Red Hill - Patrick Henry National Memorial
Upcoming Event

ROCKCLIFFE FARM RETREAT, LLC

Planning a business weekend getaway for your hard-working staff or a  day of fishing, swimming, and relaxing on the gorgeous James River, or a private party out in the country? 

Less than 30 minutes from downtown Appomattox, we offer a secluded vacation rentals at our 3200 sq.ft. Lodge, and over 5 miles of hiking trails on our 274 wooded acres in Appomattox County, plus 1200 ft of frontage along the James River.  

Bring your group for a day, overnight, or for an extended stay.
 
Check out our website at www.rockcliffefarm.com for views of our Lodge, river frontage, pricing, and much more.  Call us at 434-841-1589 or email joan@rockcliffefarm.com with any questions. 
 
The lodge is perfect for reunions and business retreats
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
Southside Electric Corporation
Upcoming Event
            
 Southside Electric Cooperative's third annual Opportunity Fund Golf Classic will be played Friday, May 12, at The Manor Golf Club in Farmville. Tees off at 10 a.m. Proceeds support scholarships. For more information, visit www.sec.coop/scholarships or call Mark Thomas at 434-645-3276.

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.