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Dinwiddie County Chamber of Commerce
Founder’s Corner Dinwiddie Chamber of Commerce is upgrading its membership offerings and services to better serve the needs of its membership and the community we live in, work in, play in and serve. Over the next few months, we will be upgrading our website to include lots of new features to include: community links, interactive community calendar, community events and business news, and links to other community groups and organizations. As Dinwiddie County begins to expand its horizons and the business base, our goal is to become a better resource for our community and our businesses, integrating marketing and knowledge Tanya Hale Founder/Executive Director into our site. Businesses will have marketing and link opportunities for the “virtual experience� as well as Search Engine Optimization (SEO) results improvements. One of our newest member benefits / opportunities is sponsoring our membership meetings. As your Chamber of Commerce, we work hard to assist our membership in networking and sharing their business offerings with others. Through sponsorship of our meetings, members are better able to get the word out as to what they do and how people can reach them. Sponsors will be receiving a dedicated article in our Quarterly Newsletter recapping their presentation.
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Dinwiddie County Chamber of Commerce
Members who employ ten or less full-time employees will receive inclusion in the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Small Business Membership Alliance. This alliance affords small business the opportunity for FREE membership in the VA Chamber. This is a huge savings to small business owners and gives them a wide variety of membership benefits that include; Chamber Briefings, the Government Relations monthly e-newsletter, Chamber Action Alerts, Virginia Chamber Prosperity Project, Invitations to regional policy events and surveys, to name a few of the long list of benefits. Any current member who has 10 or less full-time employees should contact our office at (804) 861-8774 or info@dinwiddiechamber.org to verify that they are on the list that has been submitted to the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Also offered recently to our members is the introduction from Southside Electric Cooperative to participate in the Co-op Connections Car Program. The personalized Co-op Connections Cars is, essentially a discount card that connects cooperative members with discounts on products and services they use every day that are offered by participating local and national retailers/businesses. Interested members and local businesses (non-members) can contact Fred Davis at (434) 645-3219 for more information. Your new chamber board of directors has designated this the year of communication and they are working diligently at finding new ways to communicate what our members do and aid them in their marketing strategies. If you would like to join the chamber of commerce, contact us at (804) 861-8774 or info@dinwiddiechamber.org. Together we can achieve more!
Dinwiddie County Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
7301 Boydton Plank Road Petersburg, VA 23803 (804) 861-8774 dinwiddiechamber.org info@dinwiddiechamber.org
Patricia Hood, Chairman of the Board Crater Small Business Development Center Mark Harris, President Randstad Work Solutions Joy Marshall, Secretary Alpha House Group Homes Tori Abernathy, Treasurer Container First Services (CFS) Theresa Crowder Bank of McKenney
Becky Hammond Whiz Bang Promotions
David Hahn Dinwiddie County Airport
Ryan Shilling Care Advantage
Regularly Scheduled Events Membership Meetings— 2nd Wednesday every month 11:30 am—1:00 pm Board of Directors Meetings— 4th Wednesday every month 11 am—1 pm Quarterly Newsletter published by Progress-Index: January, April, July, October Chamber Corner published by The Monitor, the first week each month
Tanya Hale, Founder, Executive Director Hale’s Electrical Service, Inc., Jeremiah, Inc.
Purpose Statement The Dinwiddie County Chamber of Commerce Incorporated (the “Chamber”) is organized for the purpose of: (1) Promoting business and community growth and development by promoting economic programs designed to strengthen and expand the income potential of all businesses within the trade area; (2) promoting programs of civic, social and cultural nature which are designed to increase the functional and aesthetic values of the community, as well as promoting public awareness of those businesses within the county; (3) enhancing the competitive enterprise
system of business by creating a better understanding and appreciation of the importance of business, business people and a concern for their associated challenges, (4) educating the business community and representing them in local, state and national affairs; (5) presenting or addressing issues which are detrimental to the expansion and growth of business in the community as a liaison between county and membership; (6) and discovering and assisting in the correction of abuses which prevent the promotion of business expansion and community growth.
The Dinwiddie County Chamber of Commerce Newsletter was created by the staff of The Progress-Index newspaper in partnership with the Dinwiddie County Chamber of Commerce. This publication may not be reproduced in full or part without the express written consent of The Progress-Index. www.progress-index.com Phone: (804) 732-3456 • Fax: (804) 861-9452
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Dinwiddie County Chamber of Commerce
A community supported program of the Appomattox Regional Library System Major funders: The Cameron Foundation and the John Randolph Foundation
Get involved at:
www.ConnectSouthside.org or call, 804-458-6329, x2017
• Nonprofit & Civic Leadership Training • Funding Resources • Community Volunteer Match
June Sponsor Spotlight “How to Succeed in Business WITH really Trying!” Container First Services provided lunch, door prizes and Rob Guidry, President/CEO and partner as our guest speaker. Rob Guidry with a long history with Waste Management and a key leader with Waste Management in the 9/11 cleanup efforts spoke passionately about business and his take on business. Girding himself with his imaginary football helmet each day, Rob has a passion for CFS employees and their families, as well as the customers he and CFS serve. Rob shared the tools that helped make CFS what it is today and how it led to earning several awards including; The Impact Award in November of 2011 from the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce. A sampling of Rob’s presentation are as follows; Take pride in the people you work with and what you do. Rob explained that when you own or work for a company, you need to be proud of that company. You and every other employee represent that company and when people see the Company name, they see every employee who works for that company, from the CEO right on down to the janitor. If you don’t take pride in what you do it shows! Always give 110% to the task at hand and the job you do. CFS goes so far as to purchase equipment that makes an employee’s job more pleasant and tolerable. This may mean a bigger expense, but the rewards will pay off with less employee turnover and a happier employee at the end of the day. Never losing the passion and drive for what you do. This is a key and goes hand in hand with the pride. As long as you get up every morning and look forward to your job, you will be giving 110% and you will be happier. When you lose the passion, mistakes get made and people are disappointed in not only your performance, but every employee and their family who is supported by the income of the company. A company is made up of every employee who works there, however it is also made up of the families
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who are dependent on those employees. On the surface you see the employees, but you don’t often see the faces behind those employees. Rob also reminded employees that the employer “steers the ship” but if you don’t step up to the plate and share your ideas, your challenges, your concerns, you have no room to complain. Not all employers want to hear your ideas, however the smart employer wants to hear your ideas and your solutions to challenges that
arise. Don’t walk away from a company meeting saying things like “Well, I don’t like that” or “I would have” or “I think we should”. Not all your ideas will become policy or practice, but if you don’t share your ideas, management cannot possibly know what your challenges are. You are a part of the company you work for. Owners and managers steer the ship and sometimes they need your input and ideas to make the best decisions that may eventually affect all employees and their families. The importance of branding is that you want to become a household name. You want to be known for what you do, how you do it and limit the advertising expense that you might be putting out. When you brand your business, you get referrals and people literally want you for your good name and reputation. Make yourself synonymous with the business, the product or the industry you are in. Soup is Campbells, tissues are Kleenex and so on. Are you branded in your industry? Community involvement is extremely important...in more ways than one! CFS
Dinwiddie County Chamber of Commerce
2012 Dinwiddie County Christmas Parade
passionately involves their employees in all kind of community based giving and volunteer programs to support those who are less fortunate. CFS understands that a key to feeling good about one’s self is giving back to others. CFS is involved in community support through sponsoring youth leagues and many others who deThe 2012 Dinwiddie County Christpend on the financial support of business. mas Parade is just around the corner! Rob remembers being a young ball player Always the second Saturday of December, and the financial donations and compa(December 8, 2012) this year’s parade nies that supported he and his teams. Rob committee members have begun working on the parade theme and registration forms. Our theme and registration forms will be released by September 1st for all to sign up and begin planning their entry. Cost this year will be $25.00 for all entries, including student and civic organizations. There are also opportunities for our Chamber of Commerce Members expressed the need for business, especially to sponsor the award ribbons and trophies small business to use these opportunities again this year. Sponsors receive special to brand your business in the community recognition and their name on the ribyou live and work in. Not only are you bons and trophies that are awarded and giving back to your community, you are later displayed by the winners. showing your community that you plan Beginning at the new Dinwiddie to be there for a long time and that you Middle School (formerly the Dinwiddie support the community and the future Junior High) on Courthouse Road, the growth of your community. parade continues to Route 1 and CourtRob also discussed what Dinwidhouse Road. This year we are hoping to die County means to CFS and how the have more bands and marching groups County opened doors to other opportuparticipating than in past. A steady draw nities for them. CFS is on line at www. is our Santa Claus on the Ford Volunteer containerfirst.com or can be reached at (804) 748-8324. Locally owned and oper- Fire Ladder Truck. Each year the parade ated, CFS leads the industry in providing gets bigger and better and the Chamber of a one-stop solution for all of your solid Commerce Parade Committee gets more waste needs. With roll-off containers and and more organized. Dubbed as the most commercial dumpsters, LEED-certified organized parade around, we are excited recycling and a full line of new and refur- to begin plans now. Like the Dinwiddie bished equipment for sale, CFS provides Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade the most professional and convenient Page on Facebook to follow the plans solid waste services in the area. Their in the works and to see the theme and experienced team is there to identify and resolve your unique waste disposal needs. registration announcements as they are posted!! Call them today to discuss your needs!
May Sponsor Spotlight “ Convenience can be just like home” In May our long standing member Edmunds Waste Removal provided lunch and showcased their products which confirmed that this company provides the most upscale products on the market. Highlights of this meeting: Planning an outdoor wedding, family reunion, birthday or anniversary in one of our region’s beautiful natural areas? Or are you having your special event on family land? If so, don’t forget to consider the call of nature and the comfort of your guests. Whether the location is a beach, a garden or a tent in your own backyard, think about whether you’ll have adequate sanitary facilities. Although you may have a bathroom available, it is most likely not enough to accommodate all your guests without long lines. The last thing you want is for your guests to miss out on any of the fun because they were waiting to use the restroom. Fortunately, there is a simple solution. Tommy and Susan Edmunds with Edmunds Waste Removal have a full line of 2-7 stall restroom trailers that are perfect for weddings, graduations, private parties, corporate functions, sporting events, andemergency situations. Trailers come professionally decorated and furnished will all required supplies. They are air conditioned and most contain stereo systems. Edmunds Waste Removal has been in business over 25 years and is a leader in providing upscalewaste management solutions to customers throughout Central and Southside Virginia. Their 8’ Cot-
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tage Series and 16’ Black Tie Series trailers were recently showcased at the May Dinwiddie Chamber meeting, held the second Wednesday each month at Eastside Enhancement Center, 7301 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, VA 23803 from 11:30 -1 pm. All Edmunds Waste Removal porta-john upscale units have been professionally decorated by Brenda Abernathy, Owner of Windows- N- Walls in Colonial Heights, Virginia, also a Dinwiddie County resident. Information on these units or any of the services provided by Edmunds Waste Removal can be done by contacting Susan Edmunds at (804) 4784688 or E-mail: sedmunds@touchva.net.
Dinwiddie County Chamber of Commerce
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Dinwiddie County Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Checking
We’re here to help you open your Business every day
Colonial Heights 764 E. Ellerslie Ave 520-0292 Petersburg 2703 S. Crater Rd 732-1436 Rohoic / Edgehill 26008 Cox Rd 861-3161 Dinwiddie 14003 Boydton Plank Rd 469-4109 Prince George 6401 Courthouse Rd 732-2706 Chester 4310 W. Hundred Rd 717-8383 M7
We’ve been helping our friends and neighbors in the business community since 1905. Our goal is to help you serve your customers and grow your business. Talk to us first about your business needs.
www.bsvnet.com
Dinwiddie County Chamber of Commerce
Commercial Loans Remote Deposits
DCCC Scholarship Winners The Dinwiddie Chamber of Commerce awarded three $500 scholarships to Dinwiddie High School Class of 2012. The scholarship winners are Cameron Bonner, Meredith Lee, and Joseph Rowland. The Dinwiddie Chamber of Commerce congratulates all of the Class of 2012 and wishes each and every one a bright and successful future.
Cameron Bonner
is the daughter of James Bonner. She is planning to major in psychology and will be attending University of Virginia. Cameron was the Salutatorian of her class and was active in DECA, FBLA, The National Honor Society and a member of the Indoor Track and Field Team, Outdoor Track and Field Team, and Cross Country Team.
Joseph Rowland
is the son of Pastor Robert and Johanna Rowland. Joseph will be attending Liberty University and will study business. He is undecided on an exact major but is interested in marketing and finance. Joseph served twice as a class officer and was active with Relay for Life and the Christmas Sharing Foundation.
Meredith Lee
is the daughter of Daniel and Alicia Lee. She plans to major in elementary education and has been accepted at Ferrum College, North Carolina Wesleyan College, and Richard Bland College. Meredith is undecided which she will attend in the fall. Meredith was active in many extra curricular activities at school including Scholastic Crime Solvers, FFA, National Honor Society, DECA, ACT 100 Milers, Ruiteens and was a member of the Varsity Softball team. The funds for the scholarships awarded each year are derived from the annual Dinwiddie County Christmas Parade, held the second Saturday of December and from generous donations from membership. These $500 Scholarships are sent directly to the school the student will be attending to aid in paying for books in their first semester. This is the fifth year Dinwiddie Chamber of Commerce has awarded scholarships. Larger scholarships in the future is our goal, however the funding determines the size and quantity of the scholarship award offers. Scholarship applications are generally available through the Dinwiddie County High School Guidance Office and online at www.dinwiddiechamber.org by February 1st each year. For more information on Dinwiddie Chamber of Commerce Scholarships or to donate to this earmarked fund, please email info@dinwiddiechamber.org or call (804) 861-8774.
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Dinwiddie County Chamber of Commerce
Dinwiddie County Civil War Sesquicentennial (2011-2015) By Sue Kennedy, Dinwiddie County Chamber of Commerce / Bank of McKenney
As the commemoration period marches on, your local Committee continues to strive to bring education and tourism opportunities related to this time period to our County. The education sub committee has worked diligently to generate interest and make reading materials available to our students and citizens. Your local library and historical society have resources to help with genealogy. Find your Civil War ancestor! Trace his footsteps during the war, make it a Sunday or weekend drive. Learn about him and his family. Even if you do not have a Civil War soldier in your background, searching your roots is fun and can be a family
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project. It is like solving a puzzle; you never know where it will lead or what you will uncover! We are a product of our past, learn about it! Our historic Courthouse is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 to 2:00, come by for a tour of this grand old lady who has been around since before the Civil War. We continue to sponsor educational events that are open to the public, some of them at no cost to attendees. At certain functions we have members participating in period dress, check us out. Watch for upcoming events and visit us at www.DiscoverDinwiddie.com and LIKE us on Facebook at Dinwiddie County Civil War Sesquicentennial!
Dinwiddie County Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Welcomes New Members
Our print shop is a full service printer, which means we can do just about anything. Need creative assistance? Do you need help? Do you have a question? Is there anything we can do to serve you better? Please contact us: Owen Printing Company – Bobby Wyatt, sales 930 Winfield Road • Petersburg, VA 23803 Phone 804-733-0123 Fax 804-733-3514 Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Your small business “Building Block” company. Need social media assistance? Don’t want your staff manning facebook all day? Need organizational assistance for cost effective use of your employees and your own time? Need assistance in branding, marketing, communication? Contact us, we can help. Small jobs, temporary assistance, or full-time / long term contracts. We can customize a package to fit your individual needs. We cater to small business. Contact us at info@jeremiah.com or (804) 895-8807. Watch for our website coming soon
RUFFIN’S VANPOOL, LLC
Traveling a distance…Take Ruffin’s Vanpool Ralph D. Ruffin, President 18912 Turkey Egg Road • Dinwiddie, Virginia 23841-2120 rralphr@verizon.net Telephone: (804)-691-4760 or (804)-469-4602 Facsimile: (804) 469-3421 Ruffin’s Vanpool, LLC is a locally minority owned and operated company that places high value on “customer satisfaction.” The company, established in October 2011, is registered with the Commonwealth of Virginia, State Corporation Commission, in Richmond, Virginia. Our goal is “customer satisfaction….going that extra mile to meet our customer’s needs”. We are able to provide our customers with the shortest arrival times, low rates and high quality of customer service. We offer local and long distance services within the Tri-City Petersburg, Colonial Heights, Hopewell, and Richmond metropolitan area; as well as Washington DC Metro Region. Company Profile/Services: Services provided will be on irregular routes and with an irregular schedule. Ruffin’s Vanpool, LLC specializes in transportation service to and from major airports, medical centers, train and bus stations, hotels/motels, community colleges, universities and much, much more. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance for van service to or from Richmond International Airport, Dulles International Airport and Reagan National Airport. Reservations are also available up to 30 days in advance for service to or from Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Richmond, Virginia Union University and Virginia State University, and other surrounding colleges and universities. Our services are prompt, courteous, and on-time service. Our company 6 passenger vans are capable and flexible to meet any and all of your transportation needs to destinations for a fare that is often based on the distance of the trip. We offer transportation services over irregular routes and irregular schedules. Our vans are used for transportation services whether it’s for an individual, for corporate business reasons, or a group of people. Our services also include private and public airport transportation services for single individuals or groups that require rides to and from the airport. “Traveling a distance…….take Ruffin’s Vanpool.” For additional information, feel free to send us a message at rralphr@verizon.net, or call us at (804)-469-4602 or (804)-6914760 or facsimile (804)-469-3421 and we will respond promptly. Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm AND “Flexible Business Hours”
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